Young people are to be targeted in a “ground-breaking” initiative to discourage them from carrying knives.
Justice Minister Kenny MacAskill unveiled details of the “No Knives Better Lives” scheme at a special youth conference in Edinburgh yesterday where teenagers had a chance to express their views in a Big Brother-style diary room.
The Scottish Government and the Violence Reduction Unit have been working with about 50 youngsters over the last six months to develop the initiative.
Ministers have allocated £500,000 to the campaign to be delivered in schools, the community, through the internet and at conferences. The money will be used for materials, to buy advertising space and develop new products.
Mr MacAskill said young people are vital if the scourge of knife crime is to be beaten.
“Most young people are well behaved, more likely to be a victim than an offender,” he said.
“We've seen too many young lives damaged or lost by a knife, we can't go on as we are.
“To change Scotland's culture of violence we need to educate young people and help them understand the consequences of carrying a knife. We also need to listen to what young people have to say, speak to them about what can help and act on it.
“That's why we've been working with young people to develop this £500,000 initiative to help engage with young people and give them information about the dangers of carrying a knife.”
Mr MacAskill said according to feedback from the youngsters, the initiative was a simple yet powerful message which the government should broadcast using internet clips, short films, information hubs and competitions.
Aberdeen rappers Shy and DRS, who are releasing a single and video aimed at tackling knife crime, backed the campaign.
Mark Scott, aka Shy, said: “Kids need to get their views across.
“The problem is getting a lot worse in places like Aberdeen and following on from Glasgow.”
The initiative was launched the day after a cache of weapons including swords, machetes, crowbars and meat cleavers was destroyed by police in Elgin.
Detective Chief Superintendent John Carnochan, head of the Violence Reduction Unit, said all too often young people are portrayed negatively.
“We need to engage with young people and not only listen to what they say but respond to it,” he said. “As adults we often forget what it's like to be young and how something like knife crime impacts on young people.”