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Youth violence is rising sharply in Greece, alarming experts, who say prevention must replace punishment.
According to police, juvenile delinquency increased notably in 2023-24, involving both boys and girls, younger ages, and repeated violent acts – physical, verbal, social and online.
“Psychiatry must move from treatment to holistic prevention, promoting a culture of resilience,” said psychiatrist Stelios Stylianidis of Panteion University.
At Athens’ Gennimatas Hospital, child psychiatrist Christos Zervis described a 17-year-old who “felt powerful through violence” and unable to believe in authentic expression and mutual understanding.
Stylianidis linked rising aggression to social inequality, insecurity and digital stress. “Wars and the climate crisis act as chronic stressors,” he said, warning that children face growing vulnerability amid poor access to care and weak family-school support.
The Hellenic Psychoanalytic Society will open hybrid seminars on November 8 titled “Understanding Aspects of Adolescent and Youth Violence,” bringing together nine analysts to explore causes and prevention strategies.