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There is Overwhelming Support to Raise the Age
Joint Letter
Ten is Too Young” – 60 Organisations Call for the Age of Criminal Responsibility to be Raised
In a letter co-ordinated by the Ten is Too Young Coalition, 60 organisations have called for the Northern Ireland Assembly to vote to increase the minimum age of criminal responsibility. The letter states that the current age of ten years old is too low, that criminalising children does not work and that the Justice Bill provides an opportunity to address a long outstanding recommendation to raise the age.
The letter is signed by a wide range of organisations working with and supporting children, families, victims, youth work, human rights, legal, disability and justice.
Speaking on behalf of the Ten is Too Young Coalition, Fergal McFerran, Policy and Public Affairs Manager at the Children’s Law Centre said: “At ten years old, the current age of criminal responsibility in Northern Ireland is far too low. The evidence is clear that criminalising children does not work. It criminalises vulnerability, entrenches inequality and fails children, victims and communities alike.
“The Northern Ireland Assembly now has a real opportunity to finally address this through the Justice Bill - an opportunity our children cannot afford to be wasted.
“This letter has been signed by 60 organisations, reflecting widespread support for an increase. Previous consultations have also shown an overwhelming support for an increase in the age. This is underpinned by well established evidence across the globe, with many countries already ahead of Northern Ireland in protecting children.
“The message is loud and clear from across society, whether it’s those working directly with children and families, working with and supporting victims or working in youth justice – ten is too young and it’s time to raise the age.”
It's not too late to add your support - the content of the letter is below. Please fill in the contact form to make your voice heard. You can find a list of the organisations who have already signed below.
Add Your Support
It's Not Too Late To Send A Clear Message - Ten is Too Young
Dear Member,
We, the undersigned, believe that at 10 years old, Northern Ireland’s minimum age of criminal responsibility is too young. It criminalises vulnerability, entrenches inequality, and fails children, victims and communities alike.
Children as young as 10 who come into contact with the justice system are overwhelmingly those experiencing poverty, trauma, exploitation and unmet need. The response they receive should be one of care, protection and support – not criminalisation.
Criminalising children at such a young age does not prevent harm, does not reduce reoffending, and does not deliver meaningful justice for victims. Instead, it risks compounding trauma, worsening outcomes, and increasing the likelihood of future offending.
Raising the age of criminal responsibility would better align Northern Ireland with international standards, reflect what we know about child development, and enable resources to be redirected towards early intervention, diversion and support that genuinely reduces harm and victimisation.
The Justice Bill presents a rare and urgent opportunity to finally deliver reform that has been promised, consulted on and supported for over a decade. Failing to act now would mean knowingly continuing with a system that does not wholly work in the best interests of children and young people.
We therefore urge Members of the Northern Ireland Assembly to act collectively and take this opportunity to raise the minimum age of criminal responsibility, ensuring Northern Ireland moves from being an international outlier to a jurisdiction that truly puts children’s rights and wellbeing at its heart.
It’s time to raise the age.