Academics have warned youngsters are moving on to social media platforms where bravado can lead to organised gang meet-ups.
Professor Alistair Fraser from the University of Glasgow said: “Territorial, street-based groups of young people have a long history in Scotland, and around the world.
“Often this is about identity, territory and respect for young people that are socially excluded.
“Social media has added another dimension to that. Violence has gone down significantly in recent years but has never gone away completely.
“Violence between young people, including gangs, is often driven by factors like alienation, lack of amenities, trauma and social exclusion – these were all amplified during the pandemic.
“These increase the likelihood that young people spend more time on the streets and, as a result, may be exposed to violence as a victim, perpetrator or observer.
“Incidents of serious violence, especially involving loss of life, are, thankfully, incredibly rare which is why they are so shocking and tragic when they do occur. “
Thousands youngsters accused of violent crimes
By Oliver Norton
POLICE figures reveal there were 13,695 violent crimes recorded last year where a young person was identified as an accused.
The majority (63.2 per cent) were common assaults and a further 31.7 per cent were for threatening or abusive behaviour.
These two crime types account for 19 out of 20 of violent crimes where a young person has been identified as an accused over the 2023/24 period.
Just over a quarter of these crimes were committed in an open space, and just under a quarter in residential schools/accommodation.
The third most likely location is educational premises which account for approximately 10 per cent of youth-accused violent crime where a location-type is identified.
A report, published by the Scottish Police Authority, highlighted the rate of offending in children rising through age 11 to 14 years.
Authors said it can be attributed to several factors, including impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, lack of social and emotional support and the increased use of technology and social media.
The report said inequality also “plays a significant role in shaping incidence of violence”.
It said: “When inequality is high it can foster environments where violence is more likely to occur.”
Last night Scottish Tory shadow minister for community safety Sharon Dowey MSP accused the Scottish Government of turning a blind eye.
She said: “This senseless loss of a young life lays bare that more must be done to educate young people about the dangers of gang violence and carrying weapons.
“Rather than turning a blind eye to this alarming issue, SNP ministers must implement a robust deterrent for those who carry knives on Scotland’s streets rather than letting instances of violent crime to spiral.
“If the SNP Government are serious about cracking down on youth and gang-related violence, it is crucial that our police officers are properly funded and courts able to do their jobs.”
Assistant Chief Constable Mark Sutherland said: “Police Scotland works hard with local communities and partners, including the Scottish Violence Reduction Unit, with a shared goal of preventing harm, reducing violence and improving the lives of our young people.
“One option for officers is stop and search. This is intelligence-led and is and effective tactic that helps us keep people safe.”
A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “Our thoughts remain with any family who has lost a loved one in such tragic circumstances.
“Through our Violence Prevention Framework we are prioritising the key drivers of violence, including inequalities, and are working with partners on actions to educate and divert people away from violence.
“Last week a youth violence social media campaign was launched by our grant-funded partner Fearless, encouraging young people to speak up and report violence and weapon possession to prevent harm before it happens.”
