Malaga Climbs To Third In Spain For Juvenile Sexual Offense Convictions

Malaga's Disturbing Rise in Youth Convictions

In 2024, Malaga province experienced a significant rise in youth-related sexual offense convictions, placing it third among Spanish provinces. The Ministry of Justice reports that 31 minors aged 14 to 17 were convicted, contributing to the 550 adolescent convictions across the country. This rise in Malaga's figures indicates a troubling trend that raises questions about the underlying causes.

Barcelona and Alicante led with 52 and 48 convictions, respectively, while Madrid and Valencia followed closely with 30 each. The report, accessed by SUR, highlights a worrying upward trajectory in Malaga, where convictions more than tripled since 2017, increasing from nine to 31 in just seven years.

Regional Comparisons and Insights

Regionally, Malaga accounted for an impressive 31.3% of the 99 convictions across Andalucía, overtaking Cadiz, which had 24 convictions in 2024. Huelva reported the fewest cases with just one, followed by Cordoba with five and Jaen with six. The consistent rise in these statistics has drawn attention from legal and educational authorities alike.

“The increase in youth sexual offenses reflects broader societal issues, demanding urgent educational reform,” a public prosecutor commented.

The rising number of offenses aligns with concerns voiced by the public prosecutor's office, which attributes the trend to early exposure to inappropriate content without suitable educational guidance.

Addressing the Root Causes

The 2025 annual report by the state attorney general's office (FGE) draws a strong connection between the rise in youth offenses and the influence of pornography. It suggests that adolescents often view such content as pseudo-educational, leading to distorted perceptions of sexual relationships. The report reveals that 54.1% of minors believe pornography informs their sexual experiences, and nearly half have enacted scenarios viewed online.

There is a clear call for educational reform to equip young people with the skills to critically assess media content. The report warns that without such measures, adolescents may continue to develop misguided notions about relationships, potentially fostering harmful behaviors.