The rise of knife crime and youth violence across Scotland
By Zack McJimpsey
Over the last few years there has been an increase in the number of serious assaults by teenagers, with a record number of violent offenders being under 16.
Across Scotland there have been over 90 children caught carrying knives with some of them being as young as 10. Police Scotland have now seized almost 250 knifes from schools across Scotland.
In the wake of the stabbing and killing of Kayden Moy from East Kilbride, East Kilbride Community Impact Group have created a petition which now has over 2000 signatures on a campaign for ending knife crime and supporting youth.
Knife laying unused - Unsplash
A spokes person for the group said: “We are campaigning for early intervention, improved youth services and a public health approach to violence prevention. Every young person deserves safety, purpose and hope.
“We believe in a trauma-informed, prevention-led approach that tackles the root causes, not just the consequences.”
They are calling on many organisations including South Lanarkshire Council and Police Scotland to develop a coordinated multi-agency response.
This response would include a dedicated knife crime prevention task force based in the town, as well as more visible police on the streets and increased support for young people.
The group said: "We want a Scotland where no child needs to carry a knife to feel safe. A Scotland where no parent has to bury their teenager. A Scotland that stands up and says: not one more.”
Police shield victims of knife crime - Getty Images
Angela Constance, MSP and Cabinet Secretary for Justice said: “We plan on providing a total of up to £26m over the next three years to support safe spaces, trusted adults and a range of positive diversionary and support activities for young people.
“We have this week published new guidance for schools on the consequences of and risk assessments for violent, aggressive and dangerous behaviour. That guidance emphasises the need for early intervention and prevention and the importance of schools and families working together to promote positive relationships and behaviour.”