Buddina teen Balin Stewart’s death a warning for parents, youth criminals

The grieving family and friends of Balin Stewart have weighed in on combating youth crime as they mark 12 months since the beloved Buddina teen’s death.

An event bringing together teenagers from at least six different high schools across the Sunshine Coast region has raised awareness about youth crime, pointing to the importance of parent involvement in teens’ lives.

Walk for Balin was held on Friday January 20, 2023, to commemorate the death of Buddina teen Balin Stewart, 16, who was allegedly fatally stabbed by a teen, who was known to him, outside his home.

Teenagers gathered from schools including PLC, Sunshine Coast Grammar, Kawana Waters State College, Siena Catholic College, Mountain Creek and Caloundra State High School for the event.

The crowd gather for a photo before the Walk for Balin on January 20, 2023. Picture: Katrina Lezaic

Balin’s father, Michael Stewart, who along with Balin’s mother Kerri-Lyn started the Bin the blade for Balin movement, said the number of kids at the event reflected his son’s ability to “get different kids that normally would not associate with each other to hang out”.

Mr Stewart said he believes knife crime needs to be dealt with using a “multi pronged approach” incorporating education and awareness.

“I also believe there has to be a consequence to an action,” he said.

Kerri-Lyn and Michael Stewart addressing the crowd before the Walk for Balin community event at Kawana Waters Surf Club on January 20, 2023. Picture: Katrina Lezaic

Police liaison officer Vernon Corporal who was at the event said parent involvement was integral to preventing youth crime.

“A lot of the time people think the issue with youth crime is a policing issue,” Mr Corporal said.

“But parents need to be heavily invested in their children providing continual guidance.

“The parents are the best tool,” he said.

Nate Shovelton, 17, who participated in the walk said he believes knife crime has “always been around”.

Walk for Balin community event on January 20, 2023. Picture: Katrina Lezaic

Friend Hayley Poole, 18, said like many others she was shocked at Balin’s death.

“(Knife crime is usually) not really around here, we are all locals,” Ms Poole said.

Hayley said she was shocked to hear she knew both the teens who were allegedly involved.

“I woke up the next morning and all my friends were talking about it, but I didn’t know actually who,” she said.

“But then I found out that I actually knew them.”

Police liaison officer Brooke Kingdom says her role in the prevention of juvenile crime is working with youth to “steer them in the right direction”.

“We see a lot of the young ones in the street and try to steer them in different directions,” she said.

“Whether it be education or for work.

“Steering them into a better path, away from criminal activity or bad behaviour.”

Originally published as Buddina teen Balin Stewart’s death a warning for parents, youth criminals