ITN Productions’ have produced a 90-mintue documentary for 5 featuring families of children murdered by their peers…
The Real Adolescence: Our Killer Kids looks at the rise in murder convictions for 12-17-year-olds in the UK, from those affected by these harrowing crimes and experts offering insight and analysis.
Dan Louw, commissioning editor 5:
“This is a shocking and sobering film about a national emergency, and I challenge every parent to watch it. For years we’ve written off growing levels of youth violence as a mere ‘moral panic’, but this film demonstrates that this approach is failing our kids, and victims of violence.”
Stuart Stephens, father of Olly Stephens who was killed in 2021 aged 13, shares heart-wrenching memories of his son, whose attack was planned on social media. Stuart subsequently started to campaign for tougher online safety measures.
Rohan Shand’s son, Rohan Shand jr who was known as Fred, was stabbed to death on his way home from school in 2023. Rohan snr talks powerfully about the emotional impact of knife crime on him and his family.
Hayley Ryall, mother of teenager Mikey Roynon who was tragically killed at a house party in 2023 also speaks out about her devasting loss and setting up the charity Mikey’s World to install specialist emergency bleed kits in her son’s hometown of Bristol.
Experts include Alison Cope, anti-violence campaigner whose son was also killed, consultant forensic psychiatrist Dr Sohom Das, forensic psychologist Kerry Danes and The Ben Kinsella Trust CEO, Patrick Green.
Daniel Smith, executive producer ITN:
“Child killers is a horrific topic that has been brought back to the top of the agenda by Adolescence, but this documentary is real life. We want to thank all the contributors for sharing their personal stories and hope that by bringing them together, we have focussed on the shattering impact of these crimes and included experts to suggest how they might be prevented.”
The Real Adolescence: Our Killer Kids airs on Thursday 8th May, 10pm on 5
