13-year-old in Schwaz threatened classmates-police investigated!

13-year-old in Schwaz threatened classmates-police investigated!

On June 19, 2025, a worrying incident in Schwaz, Tyrol, prompted a police operation after a 13-year-old Austrian expressed a dangerous threat to several classmates in a video chat. Boys -like objects were visible behind the boy, which also escalated the situation. On June 20, 2025, the parents of the affected girls filed a complaint with the police. This took up the investigation and interviewed the 13-year-old, who confessed to the threat, but claimed that she was not meant seriously.

The police are planning to send a comprehensive report to the public prosecutor and the district administration after the investigation. The weapons visible in the background of the chat belonged to a 19-year-old roommate of the child who had a ban on weapons. In addition to Airsoft weapons, knives and ammunition were also ensured. The 19-year-old is reported after the investigation by the public prosecutor's office.

Digital violence among young people

This incident should not be considered isolated, but blends into a worrying trend that the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) describes. According to this, children and adolescents are increasingly addressed by online groups who work with dangerous threats and blackmail. These groups use social networks and messenger services to specifically address mentally conspicuous children and adolescents and to integrate them into harmful cycles. The most extreme forms of this digital violence are self -harm and attempts at suicide.

The perpetrators, many of them also young, manipulate their victims step by step and practicing, often under the guise of community feelings. This form of violence is recognized as a serious problem, especially since many cases can result not only online, but also in real life.

Rising cyber bullying cases

The current study results of the WHO show a dramatic increase in cyber bullying among students in Europe. According to a publication, around every sixth student experienced cyber bullying, which means a significant increase since 2018. While the proportion of young people, the other bully, is 12 %, those affected are affected 11 %. The increase in cyber bullying experiences is particularly striking, especially for boys and girls. This indicates a worrying development in digital space, which is also becoming increasingly visible in schools.

The WHO emphasizes the need for urgent measures to promote healthy online environments for children. In order to counteract these problems, parents and confidants should become aware of if there are signs of social withdrawal, changing habits or inexplicable gifts in children. The BKA recommends that talk to affected young people, show interest in their online activities and, if necessary, contact the police.

This combination of digital violence and cyber bullying not only is a challenge for the young people concerned, but also requires broad social efforts to promote the well-being of young people. The data situation is alarming and shows that it is urgently needed to better protect children and adolescents in the digital world.

For more information about this incident and related topics, you can use the articles on 5min, BKA and [Who] (https://www.who.int/europe/de/news/item/27-2024-in-in-six-school-children-experiences-cyberbullying-Finds-New-Who