Rise in youth violence is not going away

If you've been paying attention to the news in recent weeks and months, then you will have likely heard about incidents of youth violence that has occurred in schools and across our communities.

- BY WEST SCOTLAND LABOUR MSP PAUL O'KANE

It was only at the turn of the year that I raised the issue of rising violence in classrooms.

Data from high schools in Renfrewshire, East Renfrewshire and Inverclyde shows that violence towards staff has risen significantly in the last five years.

There have been numerous online videos which show young people being attacked by groups of youths.

The footage of these attacks is horrifying to watch - no young person should be the victim of senseless violence.

That this violence is occurring, getting posted online and being watched by our young people is, of course, hugely concerning.

I took my opportunity this week to raise these incidents with the First Minister John Swinney.