Yvette Cooper has announced plans for a new government unit to prevent violent crime among teenagers, citing the challenges of knives, mental health pressures, and social media. The recent deaths of young people in stabbings have prompted this action. The new “young futures” unit will aim to halve violent crime in a decade and work with various agencies to support at-risk teenagers.
Cooper highlighted the difficulties faced by teenagers today, including pressures from social media, county lines, and mental health issues. The program will include “youth hubs” to support teenagers and identify those most at risk of being drawn into crime and violence. Cooper expressed frustration at the fragmented support for teenagers under successive Conservative governments and emphasized the need for comprehensive action.
The government’s commitment to halving violence against women and girls was also discussed, with Cooper acknowledging the challenges but emphasizing the need for mobilization to address the issue. The recent violent protests in response to a tragic incident in Southport were condemned, with Cooper stating that the responsibility lies with the individuals involved.
Cooper also called for social media companies to take responsibility for preventing misinformation and maintaining a safe online environment. The government’s online harms bill and the prime minister’s commitment to addressing these issues were highlighted as part of the efforts to tackle violence and crime among young people.
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