Putting an end to Knife Crime

Wednesday 22nd May 2019

Far too often we hear about another young person who has been a victim of a knife attack. It comes as little surprise therefore, that the 2018 UK Youth Parliament ‘Make Your Mark’ Report showed that knife crime was the top concern amongst young people in the UK.

Over one million young people aged 11 – 18 responded to the consultation, which also showed the mental health, equal pay and homelessness were also amongst the top concerns of young people.

Figures released in March 2018 showed that the police recorded 40,137 offences involving a knife or sharp instrument in England and Wales during the previous 12 months. This is the highest number since the year ending March 2011.

My friend had a knife pulled on him and held to his throat, the next day I got hold of a knife, we all did.

Knife crime is rising fast in our area, but I still feel safe, you just mustn’t do anything stupid.

Quotes from BB young people in London

Following the report, the UK Youth Parliament launched its ‘Action Against Knife Crime’ campaign which calls for a significant reduction of knife crime in the UK.

‘Action Against Knife Crime’, which was prioritised at the UK Youth Parliament’s House of Commons Sitting, demands the Government combat violence through education in schools and community groups.

The campaign’s aims:

• Raising awareness of the devastating effects of knife crime and how it affects people across the UK
• Exploring the multiple factors of knife crime, including mental health, education and youth services
• Gaining support from decision makers
• Preventing young people from carrying knives by creating platforms for young people to engage with the community
• Raising awareness of what young people can do to support the cause

But what are the views of your young people?

Discuss this with your group

• How safe do you feel in your community?
• How have you and your community been affected by knife crime?
• What do you think about the campaign’s aims?
• How can you make a difference?  What can the company or the wider BB do?

Resources
These are just some discussions starters.  More resources, guidance and information are available at the Action Against Knife Crime website www.ukyouthparliament.org.uk/campaign/action-knife-crime/  including information about the ‘No Knives Better Lives’ campaign which has been running in Scotland since 2009.

Here you will find a recent article about tackling knife crime and importance of organisations like BB bit.ly/knifecrimeBB