During the last decade, Texas school districts have increased police presence on campuses and adopted stricter conduct policies to make classrooms safer. However, this crackdown has unexpectedly led tens of thousands of elementary and secondary students into the judicial system. According to an analysis by The New York Times and The San Antonio Express-News, since 2014, over 47,000 referrals for criminal processing have involved children aged 10 to 13 after school incidents.
In the 2024-25 academic year alone, approximately 4,800 students in this age group were referred, a figure one-third higher than a decade prior. Most faced minor charges, including making threats, vaping cannabis, or assaulting classmates or teachers. Few caused serious physical harm.
Incidents include an 11-year-old near Austin shoving a counselor; a 10-year-old in Victoria falsely claiming to see a weapon on campus; and a 10-year-old in El Paso kicking a vice principal after his phone was taken. All three entered the judicial system. Though the El Paso case was dismissed two months later, the family faced thousands in legal fees.
The student, who has ADHD, developed school anxiety and saw grades plummet. School officials did not comment on specific cases but stated a commitment to safe, inclusive environments. One mother called the experience "bankruptcy," prompting a move to another state.
While rare, some 13-year-olds face serious charges. Last year, an 11-year-old at San Antonio's Harris Middle School was accused of bringing a prohibited weapon after a gun was found in his backpack. Juvenile Judge William Shaw noted many cases could have been handled by school administrators, stating, "Sometimes kids don't get along.
They can end up pushing, maybe even fighting. That can be considered adolescent behavior. It is not necessary to arrest them.".
Source: New York Times Top Stories · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing