Brussels – A proposal to lower the legal working age in Belgium, potentially to as young as 12, is gaining traction as a surprising countermeasure to rising youth involvement in drug trafficking. National drug commissioner Ine Van Wymersch floated the idea in a recent appearance on the VRT podcast “Peter Van de Veire & De Zandloper,” arguing that providing legal employment opportunities could offer a crucial alternative for vulnerable teenagers drawn into the illicit trade by economic necessity. The discussion comes amid growing concern over the age of individuals involved in Belgium’s drug networks, with reports of dealers as young as 13 and 14 becoming increasingly common.
Van Wymersch’s proposal isn’t about encouraging childhood labor, but rather acknowledging a grim reality: for some young people, particularly those in economically disadvantaged families, dealing drugs represents a desperate means of contributing to household income. “These young dealers surprise everyone,” Van Wymersch stated, as reported by DHnet. “At the same time, we see young people in their twenties and thirties buying drugs from them. ‘Oh, I hadn’t thought he might be better off staying in school,’ is often the reaction from these buyers.”
The Cycle of Necessity
The current legal working age in Belgium is 16, though 15-year-olds who have completed two years of secondary education are also permitted to work. Van Wymersch believes this threshold is too high, leaving a gap that criminal organizations exploit. She initially believed young people were being actively recruited through social media, but has since learned that many proactively seek out dealers to offer their services. “They know it’s not legal. They don’t even want to do it, but they are forced to do so by a lack of alternatives and opportunities in the legal world,” she explained.
The issue is particularly acute in cities like Brussels, where a significant proportion of young people grow up in poverty. According to Van Wymersch, one in three young people in Brussels lives in conditions of financial hardship, creating a powerful incentive to seek income, regardless of the risks. This economic pressure, combined with limited access to legitimate employment, creates a breeding ground for youth involvement in the drug trade. The commissioner emphasizes that simply arresting young dealers doesn’t address the root causes of the problem.
A Carefully Considered Lowering of the Age
Van Wymersch isn’t advocating for a free-for-all. Her proposal for lowering the working age to 14 or even 12 is contingent on strict safeguards to prevent exploitation. “Of course, within a defined framework; we must not fall into child labor,” she stated, as reported by DHnet. She envisions a system with protective regulations, guidance, and support to ensure young workers are not taken advantage of.
The idea is to provide a legal and safe avenue for earning money, offering a viable alternative to the dangers and consequences of drug dealing. This would require not only legislative changes but also practical support systems, such as assistance with finding age-appropriate jobs and mentorship programs to help young people develop work ethic and social skills. Van Wymersch notes that many young people lack the networks – family, friends, or neighbors – that can help them secure even basic summer employment.
Beyond Legislation: Addressing Root Causes
Lowering the working age is just one piece of the puzzle. Van Wymersch stresses the importance of tackling the underlying socioeconomic factors that drive young people towards crime. This includes addressing poverty, improving educational opportunities, and providing access to social services. She also points to the role of adult buyers in perpetuating the cycle, noting that demand fuels the market and creates opportunities for young dealers.
The proposal has sparked debate, with concerns raised about the potential impact on education and the need to protect children from exploitation. However, Van Wymersch argues that ignoring the reality of the situation is not an option. “We must not ignore the reality,” she said. “If so many families are disadvantaged and so many young people are called upon to contribute, we, as a society, must guarantee legal opportunities.”
What’s Next?
The proposal is currently under consideration by policymakers in Belgium. The next step will likely involve further discussion and analysis of the potential benefits and risks, as well as consultation with stakeholders, including educators, social workers, and youth organizations. The government has not yet announced a timeline for any potential legislative action. The debate highlights a growing recognition that addressing youth crime requires a multifaceted approach that goes beyond law enforcement and tackles the root causes of vulnerability.
This represents a complex issue with no straightforward answers, but Van Wymersch’s proposal offers a fresh perspective on how to protect vulnerable young people and disrupt the cycle of drug trafficking. What are your thoughts on this proposal? Share your comments below and let us know what you reckon.
