It's good to see one of our most respected politicians willing to speak out about violence in schools.
In today’s Record, Scottish Lib Dem MSP Willie Rennie points to a “conspiracy of silence” which has allowed the problem to spiral out of control.
He bangs the drum for more resources for schools and communities to prevent children from becoming criminalised at a young age.
With the right kind of help, and cash to tackle problems in the classroom, the current generation can thrive. However, current issues first have to be acknowledged.
Rennie rightly points out that those in charge of education – at Holyrood and in local councils – have failed to recognise the growing trend of youth violence.
Fuelled by a demand for attention on social media platforms, attacks are being filmed and placed online for gratuitous entertainment.
It requires everyone – from government to the boardrooms of the social media giants – to get involved.
The Daily Record’s campaign, Our Kids ... Our Future, attempts to open the debate on possible solution. It is welcome that others, like Rennie, are joining in.
None of us want to see videos depicting children being brutally assaulted by their peers – and parents like Andrea Jarvis don’t want to see their child lying in a hospital bed.
Andrea, whose 12-year-old daughter Angela was attacked, speaks in today’s Record of her fears that violent bullying is now reaching epidemic proportions.
Let us hope that whichever SNP candidate is successful in becoming our new First Minister, they will treat this issue as a top priority.
Nothing is more important than our young people – and their future.
Rod’s scan plan
SIR Rod Stewart rolled up to a hospital in Essex yesterday to fulfil a commitment he had made to pay for patients’ scans.
The veteran rocker is appalled by the length of NHS waiting lists and wants to do something about it.
Like his support for the people of Ukraine, Rod’s backing of the NHS comes from a good place. He clearly cares about what happens to others and wears his heart on his sleeve. Yes, he wears it well...
He told how he plans to help pay for scans at cities around the country including Glasgow and Edinburgh. Rod’s support is welcome, as is his solidarity with the doctors and nurses he frequently praises.
The NHS is a cherished institution most of us will need at some stage in our lives. It should always be properly funded and resourced across the UK.
It is shameful that any patients’ scans depend on the kindness of a rock star.
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