KNIFE HORROR
What to do if you think your teen is carrying a knife & the steps to help
Read on for the 5 signs to look out for and a solicitor's advice on the offences relating to knife crime
KNIFE crime offences have skyrocketed by a staggering 80 per cent over the past decade.
And despite being only 21 days into the New Year, several knife crime attacks have been reported in London alone.
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Incidents include a 17-year-old left fighting for his life after being stabbed in the early hours of January 1 in Brixton.
Four days later, on January 5, a 15-year-old and 17-year-old were rushed to hospital after a double stabbing in North London.
January 6 then saw an 18-year-old college student stabbed and rushed to hospital in a critical condition.
Less than 24 hours later, 14-year-old Kelyan Bokassa was fatally stabbed 27 times by two people armed with “lengthy machetes” on a London bus on the way home from school.
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With knife crime continually on the rise, parents are understandably worried about their children's safety.
According to , a charity founded by Brooke Kinsella and her family following the tragic murder of her brother Ben in 2008, this alarming trend has instilled fear in many young people, with a shocking one in three not feeling safe in their neighbourhood.
Even more troubling, a disturbing one in four of these young people admit to considering carrying a knife for self-defence.
This fear can be a gateway to a negative spiral. Children who feel unsafe or isolated can be more susceptible to grooming by gangs, who exploit their anxieties and offer a false sense of belonging.
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How to talk about knife crime with your child
shared his tips for talking about knife crime.
He said: “Having conversations about knife crime can feel daunting, but open communication is crucial.”
Start Early
Don't wait for a crisis. Begin these conversations when your children are young, laying the groundwork for future discussions.
Tailor it to their age
For younger children, focus on basic safety rules. Explain that knives are tools and should be treated with respect, only used under adult supervision.
As they get older, you can delve deeper into the reasons behind knife crime and the dangers of carrying a weapon.
Listen
Create a safe space for your children to express their fears and concerns. Let them know you take their feelings seriously.
Focus on solutions
Discuss ways to stay safe. Reassure them that you'll work together to find solutions if they ever feel unsafe.
Where you can get more information...
The Ben Kinsella Trust - resources for parents
NSPCC - Advice and help for parents or anyone worried or concerned about a child.
or 0808 800 5000
Crimestoppers - Help, advice and a means to give information anonymously to the police.
or 0800 555 111
Help, advice and a means to give information anonymously to the police
Be honest
Acknowledge the seriousness of knife crime, but avoid scaremongering.
Spotting the signs: How to know when your child might be at risk
According to The Ben Kinsella Trust's guide A Guide to Knife Harm for Parents and Carers, there are five signs to look out for.
1. Changes in behaviour
Secrecy, becoming withdrawn, or spending time with new friends who exhibit risky behaviour.
2. Unexplained injuries
These could be signs they are involved in fights or carrying a weapon.
3. Unexplained money or goods
Sudden wealth, new clothes or hiding packages can be sign that they are being exploited by a gang
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4. Changes in mood
Sudden aggression, anger, or depression could indicate they are being groomed by a gang.
5. Gang-related clothing or symbols
Spotting gang symbols, signs, or music preferences can be a red flag.
Advice from a solicitor
Rachel Fletcher, Partner and Head of the Crime and Regulatory team at , also shared her advice.
Having dealt with youths over the years for knife and other crimes, there are recurring behavioural patterns such as secretive behaviours, aggressive or defensive behaviours and change of friendship groups.
Other obvious signs are bulky clothing or seemingly unnecessary bags- we’ve all seen teenagers with bum bags over their shoulders!
If parents suspect their teen is carrying a knife or other weapon the best thing that they can do is have an open dialogue with their children. It might be that their behaviour is being driven by fear or peer pressure.
Teens are often naïve to the consequences of their behaviour and the education from school seems to have limited impact.
We will often advise parents who are in despair and looking for evidence of the seriousness of their teens actions and we will happily share case law and statute with them, which in turn they can share with their child.
Offences relating to knife crime:
The following relate to simply carrying, as opposed to using, a knife
- Having an offensive weapon in a public place
- Having an article with blade/point in a public place
- Having an offensive weapon on education premises
- Having an article with blade/point on education premises
- Unauthorised possession in prison of a knife or offensive weapon
The sentences available to the court are wide ranging.
Referral order if it was their first offence. This is an intensive contract between the youth and a Youth Offender Panel and is an alternative to custody.
Youth rehabilitation order. This is an order setting out requirements to be fulfilled including reparations / unpaid work / attendance at an education centre / electronic monitoring or a combination.
Custody in cases where the court is satisfied that the offence is so serious that no other sanction would be inappropriate.
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