UPDATE: The mother of a young man fatally stabbed has issued an urgent call to action, urging adults in Scotland to help combat the escalating issue of youth knife crime. Lynn Burns’ son, Sam Johnston, was just 22 years old when he was tragically killed in a dispute over a bottle of vodka in Saltcoats, Ayrshire, in 2013.
In response to the rising violence, the youth branch of charity Crimestoppers has launched the campaign ‘It Takes a Village’, aiming to engage adults in conversations about violence and its consequences. The initiative will spread critical messages about the dangers of carrying knives through popular social media platforms like TikTok and Snapchat.
Lynn Burns emphasized the collective responsibility of the community, stating, “It takes a village to raise a child. We all have a job to do here.” She insisted that the message to children must be clear: “Don’t carry a weapon, don’t carry a knife.” The mother highlighted the dual risks involved—the potential harm to others and the very real danger of being harmed oneself.
The urgency of this message is underscored by a disturbing trend in youth violence; in the past year alone, three teenagers have lost their lives to knife crime in Scotland. Most recently, Kayden Moy, a 16-year-old from East Kilbride, was killed in May after a large disturbance at Irvine beach. Two 17-year-olds and a 14-year-old have been charged with his murder.
Earlier this year, on March 5, Amen Teklay, aged 15, was fatally attacked on the streets of Glasgow. Two boys, aged 15 and 16, deny the charges against them and are set to face trial. In another shocking incident, Kory McCrimmon, also 16, was killed over a mere £50 on May 31, 2024, in Greenfield Park, Glasgow. A 14-year-old has since admitted to the murder and received a five-year detention sentence.
Lyndsay McDade, manager of Fearless Scotland, stated, “Over the past few years, we’ve 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.” The ongoing Daily Record campaign, Our Kids … Our Future, has been pivotal in advocating for safe community spaces for youths.
As knife crime continues to plague Scotland, the message from Burns and community leaders remains clear: action is needed now. With each tragic loss, the call for adults to engage with youth becomes more pressing. The fight against knife violence is not just about laws; it’s about community involvement and proactive conversations.
Authorities are urging everyone—from parents to mentors—to take part in this vital initiative. The time for action is now; as Lynn Burns poignantly reflects, “We must work on this as each generation comes through.”
The ripple effects of these tragic events highlight the urgent need for collective responsibility. Adults must step up to ensure that the next generation can grow up safe, without the fear of violence looming over them.
