Copyright dailyrecord
An outbreak of violence is spreading across Scotland – but the offenders are children. Yesterday we reported how violent incidents in schools are soaring, with John Swinney describing the situation as “unacceptable”. Today we report how the number of attempted murders by under-18s trebled in a three-month period earlier this year. And there are suggestions from those at the sharp end that at least some of these murder bids were a result of the gangland war sweeping the country. Once the “murder capital of Europe,” Scotland is no stranger to violent crime. Poverty and deprivation will always remain contributing factors.But today’s youth are also struggling with a growing mental health crisis. Requests for help to the CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services) are through the roof and many young people are simply not being helped. When the young can’t access mental health care or support services, their chances of going off the rails rise. Many are left isolated, overwhelmed, and more likely to engage in risky behaviours. Covid exacerbated these issues, disrupting education , encouraging -isolation, and fuelling anxiety. We must invest in mental health services, youth clubs and community resources as the Daily Record’s Our Kids... Our Future campaign has urged. Failure to act risks more young lives. But parents must also play their part. Teenagers need to know they are supported but that there are consequences for bad behaviour. That means in school and at home, teenagers are forced to take responsibility for their mistakes. Together we can fix this problem. But ignoring it is no longer an option. The UK is in a difficult situation and grown-up politicians are required to come up with credible solutions. Rachel Reeves is doing her best to steer the country back to economic growth after Tory disaster. And Pat McFadden is trying to reform welfare while ensuring the needy get help. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage’s speech yesterday on the economy, however, brought nothing to the table. He had previously announced a bizarre £90billion wish list of tax cuts for the rich but dumped it after he was mocked. He also failed to guarantee the pension triple lock and cast doubt on the minimum wage for young people. Farage is a Tory to his core and voters should beware of his agenda.
