Who We Are
The 10 is Too Young Coalition
We are a group of six leading organisations who have been working to raise the minimum age of criminal responsibility in Northern Ireland.
We now have an opportunity to see meaningful change, after decades of calls. Let's not lose this opportunity. Let's raise the age.
The Journey
The calls to raise the age have been getting louder over the last 30 years. It's time for change.
1995
International Calls
The recommendation to raise the age has been a recommendation of the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child for over 30 years. Very little progress has been made since then, with our age remaining one of the lowest in the world. It's time to finally raise the age.
2011
Youth Justice Review
Fifteen years ago, the Youth Justice Review was published. One of the review’s most significant recommendations was to raise the minimum age of criminal responsibility. Yet, since then, while other countries in Europe have taken steps to raise the age, we continue to lag behind with a low age of ten years old.
2026
The Justice Bill
The Justice Bill is currently making it's way through the NI Assembly. There have already been a number of amendments tabled to raise the age at the next stage of the bill. This is a moment that cannot be wasted. We need to ensure support for the strongest possible amendment.
Make Your Voice Heard
We are asking organisations to sign our open letter to MLAs.
Let's make it clear - 10 is too young.
Join Our Calls
Why Your Support is Important
The calls have been ongoing for over 30 years. We now have an opportunity to make meaningful change that will improve the lives of children and young people, victims and wider society.
The children most at risk of being criminalised are often the most failed and marginalised in society. They need your help.
Make your voice heard.
Criminalising Children Does Not Work
We are out of step with Europe and with our own laws regarding children, we’re undermining children's rights and not keeping up with the evidence, including developments in neuroscience and early intervention practices. The evidence is clear, we need to raise the age.
An Opportunity We Cannot Miss
The calls have only grown over the last 30 years as evidence has clearly shown that 10 is too young. There is widespread support for change, including those representing victims.
Children Have Rights
MLAs must vote for the most child rights compliant amendment available. A range of amendments have now been tabled to raise the age. The 10 is too young coalition is clear that 16 without exceptions best protects children's human rights.
What Others Have Said
Dr Phil Anderson, Consultant Forensic Psychiatrist
– Debbie Watters, Co-Director of Northern Ireland Alternatives