To tackle the violence in our city, the young must be heard

I sat up one morning and thought this is not a London I recognise — blood in the streets and terrified parents isolating their sons and daughters in the hope it will keep them safe from violence. Surely this is not the same city I grew up in? But then I thought, how well did I really know this place anyway? Because the problems of youth violence have been brewing for years now, and little did I know how close to home — I was brought up in Dagenham — it was.

After the stabbing of a friend I’ve found myself involved in the community more than I had imagined I would be. I have found myself angry with two big factors: parents and schools.

Too many parents are letting their children down. They’re physically and financially present, but emotionally and mentally, their children are deprived — young people have grown up unable to understand what it means to be comforted or loved. They’re not able to comprehend what it is to have a role model within their household who genuinely cares for their well-being, and not just the grades and career they will get.

Perhaps some parents don’t understand that all of the above can ultimately lead children to seek comfort and acceptance elsewhere.

I am not naive, and I understand that it can be hard for parents because many have been conditioned to think in this way by their own past generation.

It’s almost a never-ending cycle. Having to repress your emotions in your household simply because there is a stigma about mental health; attending a school that feeds into your insecurities and does not provide you with any more knowledge than your father does, who is never at home. This is the reality for many youths, particularly those in disadvantaged areas.

Many schools lack basic utilities and initiatives such as career days. Many schools do not have clubs that cater for different types of students: for example, music clubs focusing on rap, and finance workshops. I can guarantee that if more schools had these things you’d have fewer pupils roaming around the block after school on their bikes doing wheelies simply because they are bored.

Some teachers do not realise the value they can bring, and because of this they have become mediocre. There is a lot of talk about funding but this is just an excuse because there are organisations willing to work with schools for free. Why are teachers not reaching out? Having compulsory lessons where you discuss problems affecting the young can do more good than you think.

Losing my friend ignited something in me, an urge to contribute more to this society. I’ve heard the statement, “You’re just a child, what can you do?” too often. At times I’ve felt shut out because the older generation do not want to discuss our proposed solutions.

We all want change. But no one seems to be able to accept that maybe the young are the ones with the answers.

• Abbianca Makoni is an Evening Standard apprentice