Systematic review on school dropout and juvenile criminal involvement (Review)

Abstract

There is growing concern about the increase in antisocial behaviour among adolescents, which leads to more serious criminal conduct in the future. The objective of this systematic review was to analyze the scientific evidence published between 2017 and 2025 on the relationship between school dropout and juvenile criminal involvement in Mexico and Latin America, in order to: identify associated causal factors, examine pathways of transition toward criminal involvement, systematize evaluated interventions, and unveil analytical limitations to formulate comprehensive public policy guidelines. The PRISMA 2020 methodology was applied, guided by the question: What limitations are identified in the study of the relationship between dropout and criminal involvement based on causes? Information was organized into four analytical matrices addressing the regulatory framework, causes of dropout, pathways to criminal involvement, and interventions. The principle of non-stigmatization was adopted as an ethical criterion. Results show that it is not possible to establish a direct, linear causality between dropout and crime; both phenomena share common structural determinants, and their relationship is mediated by individual, family, school, and community factors. The main limitation identified lies in the absence of comprehensive proposals with a human rights approach and community participation, aimed at reducing risk factors, increasing protective factors, and preventing juvenile criminal recruitment. It is concluded that such actions must be articulated through three interdependent components: school, community, and governance.