The practice of several German states resorting to juvenile detention as a punishment for persistent truancy is facing mounting criticism, with educators and political observers questioning its effectiveness and ethical implications. Anja Bensinger-Stolze, chair of the Education and Science Union (GEW), condemned the approach as a “virtual declaration of bankruptcy” in educational policy, arguing that it is frequently ineffective and potentially counterproductive.
The surge in school absenteeism, particularly among children from disadvantaged and educationally underserved families, has prompted a renewed examination of the punitive measures employed by authorities. Currently, hundreds of students across Germany are subjected to juvenile detention annually, with Lower Saxony leading the nation in its application of this penalty. Data obtained by the Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland (RND) reveals that Lower Saxony alone detained 241 boys and 114 girls during the first half of 2025, a figure compounded by the inclusion of students from Bremen, which utilizes Lower Saxony’s detention facilities.
While Hessen follows with 48 cases (as of October 2025) and Baden-Württemberg, Thuringia and Schleswig-Holstein report steadily decreasing numbers, the consistent reliance on detention raises concerns about proportionality and the potential for further marginalization of vulnerable students. Several states, including Bayern, Berlin, Brandenburg and North Rhine-Westphalia, have either ceased collecting data on truancy-related detentions or do not track the figures at all, hindering a comprehensive national assessment.
The GEW is advocating for a shift away from reactive punishment toward preventative measures, emphasizing the need for robust early warning systems and individualized assessments to address the root causes of absenteeism. Bensinger-Stolze stressed the importance of developing school-based prevention programs, alongside a framework for identifying students at risk and providing tailored support.
Defending the current approach, the Lower Saxony Justice Ministry maintains that juvenile detention remains a “fundamentally effective measure” for influencing young people, dismissing concerns about the system’s overall suitability. However, critics argue this justification ignores the potential for detention to exacerbate existing challenges, particularly for students already navigating difficult socio-economic circumstances. The debate highlights a deeper political question: whether the response to school absenteeism should prioritize punishment or fostering a supportive and inclusive educational environment.