The alarming escalation of distressing videos depicting violence and humiliation against young individuals has tragically become an all-too-frequent occurrence across various social media platforms.
The online trend has gained significant momentum, particularly in the Flanders region, notably in cities like Antwerp and Zelzate within East Flanders. Recent weeks have witnessed a deeply concerning surge in reported incidents, prompting law enforcement authorities to urgently call for a restoration of tranquillity.
Videos prominently feature distressing scenes involving young girls being assaulted by their peers, or adolescents coerced into degrading acts such as kneeling and kissing the feet of their aggressors. The principal medium for disseminating these disturbingly graphic visuals is a Telegram group connecting thousands of youths in the Antwerp vicinity, as reported by VRT.
Are the kids alright?
In response to the widespread circulation of these videos, affected young individuals have taken matters into their own hands by targeting the creators of these demeaning clips. The names and addresses of the culprits are shared, often accompanied by threats of violence. Some have even gone to the extent of recording themselves outside the alleged perpetrators' residences, engaging in disruptive activities and causing property damage.
Given the age of those responsible for producing these videos, the Antwerp police are limited in the amount of information they can disclose. Nevertheless, they are actively working to break this cycle of escalating violence. Their pressing appeal is for the public to refrain from participating in online "witch hunts" and instead provide pertinent information about the individuals perpetrating these shared videos.
To address the unsettling footage of young individuals involved in violent acts circulating on social media, the Mayor of Zelzate has taken proactive measures. An assertive mayoral decree has been enacted, affording enhanced authority to local law enforcement for the purpose of verifying the identities of minors. A criminal investigation is currently underway in Zelzate following the distribution of videos depicting local teenagers engaged in acts of violence.
Police presence to be increased
As part of the effort to combat this distressing trend, police patrols within the town have been significantly bolstered. The new mayoral decree empowers the police to ascertain the identities of minors encountered on the streets, a practice that is typically restricted. Luc Van Waesberghe, the acting mayor of Zelzate, told VRT that the town's approach is centred on targeted patrolling rather than mere increases in police presence. Specific areas of concern have been pinpointed for heightened vigilance.
The Youth Prosecutor's Office in Antwerp has acknowledged the mounting trend in violent videos, highlighting that some young offenders view these videos as a means of bolstering their reputation.
Legal expert Katrien Peeters told VRT that certain offenders exploit viral videos to enhance their standing within their peer groups and gang. Other reasons can be for financial gain, carrying out reprisals between rival factions, or personal conflicts.
She added that while the phenomenon of youth altercations is not novel, the documentation and dissemination of these incidents through videos have intensified the problem.
Addressing the intricate challenge of youth violence depicted in viral videos is far from straightforward, she concluded.
