Three teens dead in a year is a political failure that needs urgent action

Daily Record

22-05-2025

Vicky Donald has led the way in raising awareness of the epidemic of violence that has damaged the lives of too many youngsters across Scotland.
The mum from Fife felt the need to first speak out after footage of her teenage daughter being attacked by bullies was uploaded to social media and widely shared.
It took Vicky's bravery and the Record's long-running Our Kids... Our Future campaign on youth violence to push the issue up the political agenda.
But while the risks of online harm are becoming more widely known, the epidemic of teenage violence on our streets shows no signs of slowing down.
The shocking death of Kayden Moy last weekend will have struck fear into every parent across the country. The popular 16-year-old suffered fatal stab wounds while on a day out at Irvine beach with his friends.
The attack came just two months after Amen Teklay, 15, died after being stabbed on a Glasgow street on March 5. And almost a year ago Kory McCrimmon, 16, was stabbed to death, also in Glasgow.
These tragic incidents may have occurred in isolation but they are part of an alarming trend. It's clear that too many teenagers are prepared to arm themselves with knives and use them with violent intent.
This is often fuelled by an online world of threats and intimidation played out on social media. It can then spill out into real life with tragic consequences. It's in this context Vicky has felt the need to write to John Swinney warning that more youngsters could die unless action is taken now.
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Her letter is the second of its kind, with the mum previously penning similar correspondence to the First Minister when teenager Kory was stabbed through the heart last year. Vicky argues that nothing has changed since the government held a cross-party summit on youth violence.
The Scottish Government points out Police Scotland is operationally independent. But the SNP leader must take a stance. A clear message must be sent that enough is enough.
Schools must be given the power to properly punish youngsters who choose violence. And police must ensure those who break the law are dealt with firmly.
Scotland was once a beacon for others to follow on violence reduction. That involved rooting dedicated police officers in every community as well as big investments in diversionary programmes for youths.
This must now be a top priority for John Swinney – as one violent teen death is one too many. Three in a year is a political failure that requires urgent action to stop the carnage.