Texas Schools Refer Thousands of Young Students to Juvenile Justice for Minor Misdemeanors A decade-long analysis of Texas educational data shows a sharp rise in the referral of elementary and middle school students to the juvenile justice system for minor disciplinary issues. The data indicates that while the number of referrals for older students remains relatively stable, the rate for children aged 10 to 13 has increased significantly, raising concerns about the criminalization of childhood behavior. Over the past decade, school districts in Texas have increasingly turned to police intervention for student discipline, resulting in a significant number of elementary and middle school students being referred to the juvenile justice system. An analysis of Texas Juvenile Justice Department data reveals that more than 47,000 children between the ages of 10 and 13 were involved in such referrals since the 2014-15 academic year, with a notable 33% increase in referrals observed in the most recent school year compared to ten years prior. Most of these cases pertain to minor infractions, such as threats, vaping, or altercations, rather than serious physical harm.Despite this, even minor incidents can lead to significant legal consequences and financial burden for families, as evidenced by the story of a mother in El Paso whose son was charged with assault. While a few cases involve more serious allegations, many experts argue that such minor disputes are best handled through school-based disciplinary approaches rather than the criminal justice system, which can negatively impact students' academic performance and future prospects.