No Knives Better Lives report 2026

Date: 10th August 2026
Category: General measures of implementation

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A new report from YouthLink titled ‘No Knives, Better Lives’ explores how young people across Scotland understand violence, knife crime, safety and prevention. The report is based on the views of 2,922 young people and highlights the different factors that influence how safe they feel, including fear, social pressures, identity and trust.

Key findings from the report include:

·       Most young people who responded feel safe when they are outside with other people, but feel less safe at night or around adults who have been drinking;

·       Most young people do not believe that seeing the police in their local area would make them feel safer. Instead, many rely on their own protective factors and ways of staying safe;

·       Most young people do not think knife carrying is common in their communities. However, this differs for young people living in the most deprived communities and those with experience of the criminal justice system, who were more likely to believe knife carrying is common;

·       Most young people said they would tell a trusted adult or the police if they knew someone was carrying a knife;

·       Young people said they would prefer to hear about violence prevention from people with lived experience, particularly those from their local communities who they can relate to.

The report highlights the importance of prioritising reassurance over fear when developing violence prevention policies and campaigns. Young people want approaches that build trust, belonging, safety and understanding, alongside clear messages about the consequences of violence.

·       Read more on YouthLink's Webpage.

·       Read the full Better lives Report.