A new report led by researchers at the University of Glasgow highlights concerns around how Scotland is adapting to emerging trends around violence and young people.
Over the last two decades, Scotland has witnessed a remarkable reduction in serious violence which has been especially evident in cities like Glasgow. However, while this success has been widely acknowledged, this reduction has slowed in recent years and a new report, Safe Space? The past and present of violence reduction in Scotland’, highlights concerns around how Scotland is adapting to emerging trends around violence and young people.
Researchers found that in the aftermath of Covid-19 and funding cuts to local services, physical spaces where activities and support had been organised for young people have now closed. In the absence of these ‘safe spaces’ young people are now drawn to digital spaces such as social media platforms where conflict and intimidation is becoming an increasing concern.
The research team based at the Universities of Glasgow, Edinburgh and the Open University interviewed 190 participants including third sector, healthcare, government, police, youth work and young people affected by violence as they sought to understand how Scotland reduced its rates of violence and what measures need to be taken to continue its progress.