Seeing the Child: Confronting Adultification Bias in the UK Youth Justice System

Introduction: A Critical Step Towards Equity

In January 2025, the Youth Justice Board for England and Wales (YJB) launched a groundbreaking initiative to address systemic racism in the youth justice system.

Central to this effort is an animated film and accompanying podcast that spotlight “adultification bias”—a form of racial prejudice where Black and Mixed heritage children are perceived and treated as older and more culpable than their White peers.

This initiative aims to raise awareness among professionals and foster a more equitable approach to youth justice. 

Understanding Adultification Bias

Adultification bias refers to the tendency to view children, particularly those from Black and Mixed heritage backgrounds, as more mature and less innocent than they are.

This perception often leads to harsher treatment within the justice system.

For instance, behaviors that might be dismissed as typical adolescent mischief in White children are more likely to be criminalized when exhibited by Black children.

This bias denies these children the protection and understanding afforded to others, effectively stripping them of their childhood.

The Impact on Young Lives

The consequences of adultification bias are profound. Black and Mixed heritage children are disproportionately represented at every stage of the youth justice system. They are more likely to be stopped and searched, arrested, charged, and receive custodial sentences compared to their White counterparts. This overrepresentation not only reflects systemic inequalities but also perpetuates a cycle of disadvantage and marginalization.

The Role of the Animation and Podcast

The animation, written and narrated by Jahnine Davis, director and co-founder of Listen Up, serves as an educational tool to help professionals recognize and address their own biases.

By illustrating real-life scenarios and the subtle ways adultification manifests, the film encourages reflection and promotes a child-centered approach to justice.

The accompanying podcast features a discussion between Davis and Stephanie Roberts-Bibby, Chief Executive of the YJB, delving deeper into the roots and repercussions of adultification bias.

A Call to Action for Professionals

The YJB is distributing these resources across youth justice agencies to support training and raise awareness. The goal is to equip professionals with the knowledge and tools to identify and counteract adultification bias in their work.

By fostering a more empathetic and equitable approach, the initiative seeks to reduce the overrepresentation of Black and Mixed heritage children in the justice system.

Broader Implications for Society

Addressing adultification bias is not only a matter of justice but also of societal well-being. When children are unfairly criminalized, it affects their development, mental health, and future prospects. Moreover, it erodes trust in institutions and perpetuates racial disparities.

By confronting these biases, we move towards a more inclusive and fair society where all children are afforded the care and protection they deserve.

Conclusion: Towards a Fairer Future

The launch of the animation and podcast by the YJB marks a significant step in acknowledging and addressing the systemic biases that plague the youth justice system.

It is a call to action for all professionals involved in the care and justice of young people to reflect on their perceptions and practices.

By embracing a child-first approach and challenging ingrained prejudices, we can work towards a system that truly serves and protects all children, regardless of their background.

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/animation-launches-to-tackle-racism-in-the-youth-justice-system

https://insidesuccessmagazine.com/category/politics