Knives horror is in the spotlight at school

Renfrewshire school children will have their perceptions on knives challenged by a hardhitting play.

The Balisong – another name for a butterfly knife – is a No Knives, Better Lives initiative, written by Jennifer Adam, and developed in collaboration with young people.

In the play, three teenagers discuss the circumstances leading to an incident where their friend stabs someone – and whether they could have done more to stop it.

Justice Secretary Michael Matheson, who has watched the play, said: “While I was struck by the effectiveness of drama in conveying this important message, I was equally struck by the conversations that took place among pupils immediately afterwards.

“Some young people previously indicated they would not tell anyone if someone they knew was in possession of a knife.

“What I witnessed, and what I’m told is taking place in other schools, is the instant behaviour change The Balisong delivers.”

The play is expected to be performed at 64 schools across the country, reaching more than 12,000 pupils.

The series began at the end of September and will run for the next few months.

No Knives, Better Lives is a youth engagement programme that aims to reduce the incidence of violence and knife carrying among young people.