Knife Safety

 CONTENT AND TRIGGER WARNING: This page will talk about violence, knife crime, crime in youth. If you or anyone is struggling with any of the subjects mentioned - please reach out to the support pages we’ve provided and our Safeguarding team who’s details can be round at the bottom of this page.

What is Knife Crime?

 Knife crime is simply any crime that involves a knife. This includes:

  • carrying or trying to buy a knife if you’re under the age of 18.

  • threatening someone with a knife in person or via technology.

  • carrying a knife that is banned in UK law.

  • an assault or murder where the victim was stabbed with a knife.

  • a robbery or burglary where the thieves carried a knife as a weapon.

  • any other illegal activity which involves the criminal using a knife

Sadly there have been a number of incidents involving young people using a knife and this has resulted in either someone being injured or killed. Innocent young people have sadly been killed due to knife crime and have not had the opportunity to live the life they deserve. Perhaps this is something that has affected you? Or you know someone who has been effected by knife crime? This page aims to help you keep safe and think of ways of protecting yourself without having to use a knife.

Knife Crime in Youth

Why are young people carrying knives?

National and local research continues to attempt to determine root causes of why young people are carrying knives to work out what is needed to tackle the issue and reduce the risks. Below are some common factors known to influence young people to carry knives:

• County lines – organised drug networks
• Gang affiliation – protection/status
• Media attention/glamorisation
• Fear of crime – being attacked/self-protection
• Victim of bullying – self-protection
• Peer pressure – perception that most young people carry knives

The common factor is the ‘vicious circle’ young people find themselves in. For example – in a gang/drug network it is an expectation to be armed with a weapon. Young people think ‘I need to defend myself’ which shows that they almost disassociate it from being a crime.

The biggest concern and risk is that if a young person carries a knife they will almost definitely use it in situations where they feel the need to protect themselves, commit a crime, cause fear or reinforce their status/reputation.

Victims or Criminals?

More often than not, children and young people involved in carrying knives are victims in some sense of the word, be it of criminal exploitation, gangs, fear of crime or perceived social/peer norms. It is important to look beyond them all being violent criminals and try to see the reason that they ended up getting involved with knife crime.

Early intervention is key to changing this culture for children and young people’s future.

Knife Crime Prevention

There may be times when you feel under pressure from people at school or a gang that you wish to be in and you are getting pressured to carry a knife.

Friends should never pressure you into doing something you do not want to do- if they are then think about the effect they may be having on your life- is it positive or negative?

Think of a way to say NO to carrying a knife if you are asked so you do not feel pressured or ‘on the spot’ when asked.

Find positive activities to channel your energy which may help you avoid dangerous situations.

As mentioned above you may feel you need to carry one as a way of protecting yourself but this can cause more danger.

It is also proven that those who carry a knife or weapon are more likely to be targeted or in danger.

You can ALWAYS talk to someone if you feel worried/scared or pressured into doing anything you do not wish to do. You can speak to a trusted adult, or even a counsellor from Childline by calling 0800 11 11. If you feel you may be in immediate danger then you can contact the police on 999. For situations you are a little worried about but are not an immediate emergency you can contact the police on 101.

How can you protect yourself

 Try to avoid situations which you feel could put you at risk. If you feel you could be in a threatening situation then it is best you try to leave or avoid that situation, many young people feel carrying a knife will help protect them but the truth is this can create more harm or put you in danger. You can also protect yourself by:

Keeping valuables hidden away

Be aware of what is going on around you

Calling the police if you feel unsafe.

Support

ESCG Safeguarding Team

If you or someone you know at college has experienced or is struggling with mental health difficulties, members of our Safeguarding and Wellbeing team are available to help whenever you need them.

HASTINGS: Lydia Leonard
Lydia.Leonard@escg.ac.uk / 07848442081
EASTBOURNE: Helen Ding
Helen.Ding@escg.ac.uk / 07980049312
LEWES: Julia Proven
Julia.Proven@escg.ac.uk / 07823668772

Keeping Safe Week / Knife Safety