In an interview with Al-Seyassah published on November 2, Colonel Khaled Al-Hashash, assistant director of the Juvenile Protection Department at the Ministry of Interior, detailed the activities of the Child Protection Section throughout 2026. The section has managed 206 complaints in addition to 76 misdemeanors and 25 felonies, Al-Hashash reported. He stated that protecting juveniles from risks and behavioral deviations stands as a priority for the department amid increasing challenges including electronic extortion, cyberbullying, school violence, traffic violations and substance abuse. Al-Hashash called for greater integration among security agencies, families and state institutions to prevent these risks and address their root causes.
Electronic blackmail along with cyberbullying and school violence rank among the foremost threats, according to the officer. The department coordinates directly with the Ministry of Education to handle disputes that erupt inside school boundaries. Traffic offenses connected to vehicles and electronic shisha devices have also figured prominently in the logged cases. Continued security and educational campaigns form a core part of the response to all juvenile-related reports.
Separate figures from the Ministry of Justice show juvenile crimes across Kuwait fell 48 percent in the first half of 2026, dropping to 795 cases from 1,523 in the corresponding period of 2025. Counselor Nasser Al-Sumait conveyed these statistics to the Kuwait News Agency in September, noting the decline marked the second consecutive year of improvement with a 52 percent reduction from the first half of 2024. Traffic-related matters posted the steepest drop at 63 percent while assault cases decreased by 32 percent. Al-Sumait pointed to new legislation such as the updated traffic law and stricter penalties for drug offenses and illegal weapon possession as key factors behind the broader trend.
The Juvenile Protection Department, which falls under the General Department of Criminal Investigation, carries out preliminary investigations, evidence collection and follow-up on judicial decisions for cases involving those under 18. An earlier interview with another department official indicated that total juvenile cases stood at 991 through late October 2026, down from 2,316 recorded for the entire previous year. Kuwait’s Juveniles Law centers on behavioral reform, rehabilitation and reintegration into society rather than solely on punishment.
Al-Hashash reiterated that awareness programs and early intervention remain vital to safeguarding children and supporting their psychological and social development. The department operates a 24-hour hotline to receive reports and queries concerning at-risk juveniles. It also works closely with cybercrime specialists to manage offenses facilitated by mobile devices and online platforms.
