John Swinney confirms new youth violence summit as statements to be led by school bus attack victim

First Minister John Swinney has confirmed that a new summit on youth violence will take place in Scotland, with statements to be led by a teenage victim of a school bus attack. The announcement comes after a meeting with 14-year-old Kaylynn Donald and her mother Vicky at Bute House. The meeting was arranged after Vicky penned an open letter to Swinney, calling for action following the tragic death of 16-year-old Kory McCrimmon in Glasgow.

Kaylynn was brutally assaulted on a school bus in 2022, which was recorded and shared on social media, causing emotional distress and the need for mental health support. The mother and daughter duo urged Swinney to organise a summit where victims and families can share their experiences directly. A similar summit held last year, which excluded victims and was held behind closed doors, received criticism for being ineffective.

Swinney has committed to organising the summit in January to address violence among young people and ensure appropriate support is in place for those affected. The event will take place at the Scottish Parliament on January 13, coinciding with the Daily Record’s Our Kids … Our Future campaign, advocating for safe spaces for youths and responsible social media practices.

Vicky expressed gratitude for the opportunity to address the issue and highlighted the importance of involving victims in decision-making processes. Other child victims, such as 14-year-old Abbie Jarvis, who was also attacked, will be invited to share their stories with politicians. The summit aims to provide a safe platform for victims to speak out and contribute ideas on tackling youth violence.

Children’s charity Kibble will support participants to ensure a secure environment for sharing experiences and suggestions. Vicky emphasised the significance of hearing directly from those affected to make informed decisions and improve outcomes for young people in Scotland. She expressed confidence in Swinney’s commitment to addressing youth violence and creating a better future for the next generation.

In summary, First Minister John Swinney has announced a youth violence summit in Scotland, with victims playing a crucial role in shaping strategies to tackle the issue. The inclusion of those directly affected by violence will provide valuable insights and contribute to meaningful interventions to safeguard young people in the country. The initiative reflects a collaborative effort involving politicians, victims, and support organisations to address youth violence comprehensively.