New data reveals nearly 700 knife incidents in Scottish schools over five years, prompting calls for increased youth support and safety measures.
London, United Kingdom Jul 13, 2026 ALN: The Scottish National Party (SNP) has come under scrutiny for its handling of youth violence, particularly in the context of rising knife incidents in schools across Scotland. Recent statistics released by Police Scotland indicate that there have been nearly 700 recorded crimes involving the possession of knives or other bladed articles in educational settings over the past five years. This troubling trend raises significant concerns about the safety of students and staff in schools, as well as the broader implications for community safety and youth engagement.
In the academic year 2021-22, police confiscated approximately 130 bladed weapons from schools, a figure that has remained relatively consistent in subsequent years. The annual statistics reveal that in the most recent school year, 2025-26, officers confiscated 127 bladed weapons, a slight decrease from 149 incidents recorded in the previous year. However, the numbers have shown little variation over the years, with 135 incidents in 2021-22, 139 in 2022-23, and 129 in 2023-24. This persistent issue has led many to question the effectiveness of current policies and interventions aimed at curbing youth violence.
The issue of knife crime in schools has gained heightened visibility, particularly following high-profile incidents that have captured public attention. One such case involved the tragic death of 15-year-old Amen Teklay, who was fatally stabbed in Glasgow last year. The recent acquittal of two teenagers accused of his murder has reignited discussions about the prevalence of youth violence and the response of law enforcement and the government. As communities grapple with the implications of these incidents, the call for effective strategies to address youth violence becomes increasingly urgent.
Political leaders have responded to the alarming statistics with calls for action. Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton has been vocal in his criticism of the SNP's approach to youth violence, filing a series of parliamentary questions to shed light on the issue. In response, Kirsten Oswald, the Scottish Government's victims and community safety minister, acknowledged the recorded incidents involving bladed articles, emphasizing the need for continued vigilance and intervention.
The Scottish Government's stance is that while any incident involving a weapon is concerning, the majority of schools remain safe environments for learning. They have highlighted that 66% of incidents involving weapons did not lead to crimes against individuals. Nonetheless, the perceived safety of schools is undermined by the frequency of knife-related incidents, prompting calls for more robust measures to ensure the protection of students.
Law enforcement agencies have expressed their own concerns regarding the prevalence of knives in public spaces, including schools. The Scottish Police Federation (SPF) has warned that officers are encountering individuals armed with knives in the community, which raises significant safety concerns. The tragic deaths of young individuals, such as 16-year-old Kayden Moy, who was killed at Irvine beach, and 16-year-old Kory McCrimmon, who was fatally stabbed in Glasgow, highlight the urgent need for effective prevention strategies.
In light of these concerns, Cole-Hamilton has urged the Scottish Government to invest in youth work initiatives aimed at steering young people away from violence. Drawing from his experience as a former youth worker, he emphasized the importance of providing guidance and support to at-risk youth, stating that no child is inherently bad but rather in need of direction and positive role models.
Investment in youth work is seen as a critical component of addressing the root causes of youth violence. Cole-Hamilton's call for action reflects a growing consensus among community leaders and advocates that preventative measures are essential in creating safer environments for young people. By providing resources and support for youth engagement programs, the government can help to mitigate the factors that contribute to youth violence, such as socio-economic challenges, lack of access to education, and limited opportunities for personal development.
In addition to calls for youth work investment, there have been discussions about the need for enhanced police powers to effectively address knife crime. David Kennedy, the general secretary of the SPF, has advocated for stronger search powers for officers, arguing that the abolition of non-statutory stop-and-search practices in 2017 has hampered the ability of law enforcement to proactively combat youth violence. Kennedy has expressed concerns that officers are unable to intervene effectively when encountering individuals carrying knives, which compromises public safety.
Furthermore, he has suggested that equipping police officers with firearms in their vehicles could be a necessary measure to ensure their safety and the safety of the public. This proposal has sparked debate about the balance between community policing and the need for a more aggressive approach to crime prevention, particularly in the context of rising youth violence.
The Scottish Government has reiterated its commitment to creating safe learning environments in schools. A spokesperson emphasized that incidents involving weapons are rare and that the government is actively working to address youth violence through various initiatives. The Relationships and Behaviour in Schools Action Plan, which has received over £8 million in funding since 2023, is part of the government's strategy to tackle youth violence and promote positive behavior in schools.
Despite these efforts, the persistent nature of knife incidents in schools raises questions about the effectiveness of current strategies and the need for continued investment in both prevention and intervention programs. The government’s focus on maintaining a positive learning environment is commendable, but it must be accompanied by a comprehensive approach that addresses the underlying issues contributing to youth violence.
The impact of youth violence extends beyond individual incidents, affecting families and communities at large. Following the acquittal of the teenagers involved in Amen Teklay's death, his family announced plans to establish a foundation in his memory aimed at helping children move away from violence. Their statement reflects a commitment to fostering a safer environment for young people and underscores the need for community-driven initiatives to combat youth violence.
In their message, Teklay's family expressed their sorrow over the loss of their son and emphasized the importance of creating a safer environment for all young people. They highlighted the role of the justice system in protecting the public and maintaining confidence in the law, noting that when that confidence is shaken, it affects the entire community.
As communities continue to navigate the challenges posed by youth violence, the establishment of foundations and initiatives aimed at prevention and support can play a crucial role in fostering resilience and promoting positive outcomes for young people. The collaboration between families, community leaders, and government agencies is essential in addressing the root causes of youth violence and ensuring that every young person has the opportunity to thrive in a safe and supportive environment.
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