Drop in juvenile criminals, greater protection of minors, work report says

The number of juvenile criminals dropped to 28,000 in 2022 from 56,000 in 2013, thanks to stronger efforts by courts to educate children and helping to prevent them from committing offenses, according to a recent work report.

Over the past five years, courts have taken measures to protect rights of children during case handling, and have also worked with educational and cyberspace administrations to strengthen juvenile protection by publishing judicial guidelines, according to the work report of the Supreme People's Court, China's top court.

It was submitted to the ongoing first session of the 14th National People's Congress, the country's top legislature, for deliberation on Tuesday.

During the five-year period, courts handed out tough zero tolerance punishments to those found guilty of harming children, and mandated the sealing of the criminal records of youngsters charged with minor offenses.

The top court issued a guideline with the Ministry of Education and the Supreme People's Procuratorate, that clarified that employees in the education sector who commit violent crimes against children will be banned from working in the sector for life.

In addition, courts also worked with cyberspace departments to help keep children from developing internet addictions and to shield them from online violence, the report added.

Between 2018 and 2022, courts concluded 8.96 million cases involving families and marriages, placing particular importance on resolving domestic disputes through mediation.

In addition, 13,000 personal safety protection orders were issued to for victims of domestic violence during the period, the report stated.