UPDATE: Lynn Burns, mother of Sam Johnston, who was tragically stabbed to death in 2013, is urgently calling on adults across Scotland to help combat rising youth violence and knife crime. This emotional appeal comes as youth knife crime continues to claim young lives, with three fatal stabbings reported in the past year alone.
Burns’ plea follows the launch of a new initiative by Fearless, a youth branch of charity Crimestoppers, titled “It Takes a Village.” This campaign is designed to encourage adults to engage in critical conversations about violence with children. Key messages about the dangers of carrying knives will be disseminated on popular platforms such as TikTok and Snapchat.
In a heartbreaking statement, Burns reflected on her son’s death at the age of 22, when he was fatally stabbed during a dispute over a bottle of vodka at a flat in Saltcoats, Ayrshire. “We have all got a job to do here,” she said, emphasizing the need for collective action from parents, coaches, and community leaders to prevent future tragedies.
Burns emphasized the importance of teaching young people not to carry weapons. “Not only is there a horrific potential to use that against someone, but it could also be used against you,” she warned. This sentiment is echoed in the growing concern surrounding youth violence, with the Scottish Government urged to invest in safe community spaces for youth.
The urgency of this message is underscored by the recent spate of knife crime incidents. In May, 16-year-old Kayden Moy was killed following a disturbance at Irvine beach. Just weeks prior, Amen Teklay, aged 15, was murdered in Glasgow’s Maryhill. Additionally, Kory McCrimmon, aged 16, was killed over a financial dispute in Greenfield Park, Glasgow, prompting serious concern about the rising trend of youth violence.
Lyndsay McDade, Fearless Scotland manager, stated, “Over the past few years, we have seen some terrible incidents where young people have been hurt or killed. Every adult has a role in helping children feel cared for and included.”
This latest campaign seeks to address the generational cycle of violence and emphasizes that the responsibility to foster a safer environment for youth does not rest solely on parents. “Adults shape the environments children grow up in,” McDade added, reiterating the need for community involvement in preventing knife crime.
The tragic loss of lives has prompted renewed calls for community engagement and government action, ensuring that every child can grow up free from the threat of violence. As Burns poignantly states, “It takes a village to raise a child,” highlighting the collective responsibility of society in safeguarding the future of young people.
As the situation develops, community leaders and residents are encouraged to participate in discussions and initiatives aimed at reducing knife crime, reinforcing the vital message that together, we can make a difference.
