Parents across the north-east have been urged to take action after dozens of youngsters were caught carrying weapons at school.
Police say a total of 207 incidents of young people carrying weapons were recorded in the region between April 2016 and March 2017, with more than a third (36%) involving the alleged possession or use of a bladed weapon.
Of the incidents at school, 29 were in Aberdeen, 15 in Aberdeenshire and 11 in Moray, with the average age of children involved just 12 years.
While most of those caught gave reasons such as carving wood, camping or simply forgetting they were carrying, a small number admitted they were in possession of a weapon to threaten another person or for the purposes of self harm.
Partnerships Superintendent Kate Stephen stressed that while the numbers suggest an upward trend, an increased focus by officers could have contributed towards the apparent rise.
Superintendent Stephen said: “Young people need to understand that even if they never intend on using a weapon, the act of carrying one could result in unthinkable consequences, not to mention a potential criminal record.
“There is no justifiable reason for ever carrying a weapon and whether or not the intention is to use it is absolutely irrelevant. Ignorance is not an excuse. ”
She added: “Prevention and education are absolutely critical, and my message to parents and guardians is that Police, teachers and other colleagues can’t eradicate this issue on our own.
“It is vital you also talk about the dangers of weapon carrying and ensure all young people understand and appreciate the harsh reality of what could result.
“As a collective, we all need to work together to reduce the number of weapons carried in our communities.”
Of the 55 incidents reported to have taken place in or around a school, 19 were recorded as a crime resulting in the young person being charged.
Almost half occurred inside the classroom, followed by the playground, corridors, and other locations such as the canteen or changing rooms.
Speaking on behalf of the Directors of Education in the north-east, Laurence Findlay, Corporate Director of Education & Social Care at Moray Council, said ensuring the safety of children at school is “essential”.
“Education and Children’s Services Directors in the north-east are all fully committed to working proactively in partnership with colleagues in Police Scotland to do all we can to highlight the dangers of weapons and to encourage parents and carers to also discuss the dangers of carrying weapons with their children,” he said.
“By working in partnership we would hope to deliver a consistent message that carrying weapons is never acceptable.
“Schools rightly play an important role in shaping children’s attitudes, but parents and the wider community, clearly have an important part to play.
“We will never be complacent and will continue to work with parents, pupils and staff to underline the serious consequences of carrying an offensive weapon.”
