Meloni defends youth crime measures, citing student survey support

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni defended her government's new measures against youth violence, citing support from young people surveyed by the student portal Skuola.net. She argued that most youths want safe cities and reject the violence of street gangs. The survey showed strong backing for the measures: 68% support school metal detectors, 84% back the February security bill, 86% support the July bill, and 86% favor making 14-year-olds punishable. Meloni stated that young offenders should face consequences, saying "a young person doesn't go to prison because they are young, but because they commit crimes." Meloni emphasized balancing prevention and security, rejecting their opposition. She stressed addressing root causes of distress through family support, sports access, reducing school dropout rates, and improving job opportunities, while insisting that law-abiding youths deserve safety and delinquents must take responsibility.