Under the leadership of Clemens Kroneberg, the research team surveyed more than 4,400 students in grades 7 and 8 at secondary schools in three cities in the Ruhr area in autumn and winter 2025. Around 30 percent of the young people stated that they had committed at least one criminal offence in the past twelve months. Compared to the previous year, this represents a decline, but the level is still higher than in earlier surveys, such as those from 2013.
The study complements official police crime statistics by addressing the so-called “dark figure” of crime. While official statistics only record reported offences, surveys provide insight into unreported incidents and personal experiences. Taken together, both perspectives allow for a more differentiated assessment of developments in youth crime.
Particularly concerning remains the extent of domestic violence: about one in five respondents reported having experienced violence from parents within the past year. In addition, 20 to 30 percent of young people continued to report high levels of psychological stress.
Compared to earlier surveys, the study also shows a decline in self-control as well as a weaker moral rejection of rule-breaking behaviour. At the same time, young people estimate the risk of being caught committing offences to be lower.
“Dark figure studies make visible what would otherwise remain hidden,” emphasizes Kroneberg. “There is still a great need for action, especially in the areas of preventing domestic violence, promoting social and emotional skills, and within the school context.”
The study was published as a policy brief within the Excellence Cluster ECONtribute: Markets & Public Policy, which addresses key societal and economic challenges.
Here is the publication:
https://www.econtribute.de/RePEc/ajk/ajkpbs/ECONtribute_PB_071_2026.pdf