The VRU have teamed up with ParentLine Scotland to offer support to parents worried their child may be drinking or using weapons.

Jill Cook, Helpline Manager for ParentLine Scotland said:

“We know parents worry about where their children are going, what they’re doing and who they’re hanging around with. Most of the time there is nothing to worry about but sometimes parents need advice on how to tackle the more serious issues.

“Drinking alcohol can lead to young people taking risks such as engaging in sexual activity or fighting. In more extreme cases it can lead to them carrying or using a weapon. It is important parents know there is support available to them to help them address these issues with their children.”

The initiative forms part of the alcohol and weapons phase of this year’s Anti-Violence Campaign. It will be supported up by posters and leaflets distributed across Scotland, which will be available online both here and the ParentLine Scotland website

Chief Inspector Graham Goulden, who leads the campaign on behalf of the VRU, said:

“Violence is everyone’s problem. We know there are parents who are worried about alcohol and weapons. For the vast majority, there is no need for concern, but that doesn’t stop people worrying. That’s why the work of ParentLine Scotland in supporting and listening to those concerns is so vital. Tackling violence is a team effort, and ParentLine Scotland is key in this.”

Chief Inspector Goulden added that the “team effort” approach would be evident throughout the campaign, with forces across the country working in partnership with a variety of groups to help target violence-related issues specific to each area. In addition, forces would also:

• Increase use of stop and search in known hotspot areas.
• Deploy patrols with hand held metal detectors within known violence hotspot areas.
• Use bail conditions to prevent offenders from recommitting acts of violence
• Use knife/weapons intervention visits/letters for prolific knife/weapons carriers.
• Use bail conditions to prevent offenders from returning to licensed premises or hot spot areas.

The campaign starts on 1 June and will run until 31 July.

ParentLine Scotland is a free helpline and email service for anyone concerned about a child. ParentLine Scotland can be contacted on 0800 028 2233 or by emailing parentlinescotland[at]children1st[dot]org[dot]uk

a ParentLine leaflet to support parents worried about their children is available for download print ready or optimized for screen