Overview
- Interviews with study lead Clemens Kroneberg describe reduced peer contact during COVID-19 as the key factor behind weaker social and emotional skills in adolescents.
- Youths born abroad are committing fewer offenses than a decade ago, undercutting claims that recent migrants are driving the current rise.
- The study notes a proportionally sharp uptick in violence by girls, which Kroneberg associates with changing role norms, social media visibility and new evening social patterns.
- Teachers had fewer chances to spot risks during pandemic disruptions, and schools face ongoing strains from inclusion, language barriers and staff shortages that limit prevention.
- Coverage of the findings highlights a divided public response, with skepticism about methodology and calls to focus on family environments and school realities rather than origin.