24-05-2025
Mum leading youth violence campaign urges kids to speak up in wake of Kayden Moy's death
Kayden Moy, 16, died after he was allegedly stabbed to death at Irvine Beach last weekend.
A mother leading a campaign against youth violence is pleading with parents and kids to talk about the issue in the wake of Kayden Moy's death.
Lynsday McDade, manager of Crimestoppers youth service Fearless, said conversations about attacks involving young people are "more important than ever".
Ms McDade old the events that took place at Irvine Beach last weekend made her "feel ill" as a parent.
She said that youngsters must tell an adult if they know of someone carrying a weapon, involved or violence or any other crimes. Her calls come after 16-year-old Kayden died after he was stabbed in an incident at the Ayrshire beauty spot on Saturday night.
Kayden, from East Kilbride, was rushed to hospital but was sadly pronounced dead on Sunday morning.
Lyndsay said: 'In the wake of the devastating incident in Irvine at the weekend - and other recent events involving young people across Scotland - it's more important than ever to talk about the power of speaking up.
"Encouraging young people to share what they know about crime can be a life-saving conversation and one we all need to be having.
"As a mum of teenagers myself, heartbreaking incidents like this make me feel ill. The thought of one of my children going out and getting hurt or not coming home, is just unbearable.
"I also worry about the other possibility - that they could ever do something that they can't take back and have to live with the consequences of harming someone for the rest of their lives. It's unimaginable.
"That's why I'm asking you: please talk to the young people in your life this bank holiday weekend. Help them understand how vital it is to speak up if they know someone carries a weapon, is involved in violence or any other crimes."
Lyndsay has reiterated the importance of speaking up and has reassured that in doing so, it could help to protect lives.
She urged adults to tell children they are not " grassing" but instead displaying an act of courage.
She continued: "Let them know it's not 'grassing' - it's protecting lives. Give them permission to do the right thing and help them to see that speaking up is an act of courage and kindness.
"I know fear of stigma or retaliation can stop them - but that's exactly why our charity exists. At young people can tell us what they know 100% anonymously.
"We can't track their IP address, contact details or location. We don't take their personal information or anything else that could identify them. No one will ever know it came from them.
"But what it will do is make their lives safer, their friends' lives safer and all of our communities safer. This is one simple, powerful step we can all take that will make a positive difference.'
Two teenagers, both aged 17, have since been arrested and charged in connection with Kayden's death.
One male appeared in court earlier this week.
The youth, of East Kilbride, was charged with murder, carrying an offensive weapon and attempting to pervert the court of justice.
He made no plea.
The tragedy comes amid the Record's Our Kids ... Our Future campaign which was set up two years ago in response to a youth violence epidemic.
As part of the campaign, we have been demanding the government to invest in young people so they can be nurtured, mentored and guided in every community.
