Criminology and social communication in the prevention of forced recruitment by criminal organizations

Abstract

Violence associated with organized crime in Mexico has created a complex scenario in which children and adolescents are among the most vulnerable groups. In recent years, the forced recruitment of minors has become a systematic practice of criminal organizations, especially in contexts marked by poverty, inequality, and institutional weakness. Guanajuato stands out as a paradigmatic case due to its high levels of lethal violence and the constant disputes between rival cartels, which place young people at double risk: becoming direct victims of homicide or being recruited into illicit economies. In this context, social communication and media criminology emerge as strategic tools, not only to inform but also to prevent and raise awareness about the risks of recruitment. This article analyzes the results of a government campaign in Guanajuato, based on a methodology that included an interview with a young hitman, focus groups with adolescents, young adults, and adults, as well as a digital ethnography aimed at exploring narratives of violence and belonging on social media. The findings combine criminological and communicational perspectives to assess media impact, public perception, and lessons aimed at strengthening the protection of children and youth against organized crime.