Knife Crime Awareness
Understanding the risks of knife crime for young people, recognising the warning signs that a child may be involved or at risk, and knowing where to get help.
What is this?
Knife crime affects young people in communities across the UK. Children and teenagers can become involved as victims, as people who carry knives for self-protection, or through association with older individuals or gangs. The presence of a knife significantly increases the risk of serious harm, even when no one initially intends to use it. Carrying a knife is illegal for anyone under 18 and is an offence regardless of the stated reason for carrying it.
How it works
Young people may be drawn into knife crime through peer pressure, a desire for protection in areas where knife carrying is normalised, association with older peers or gang members, or through exploitation and county lines activity. Some young people carry knives because they genuinely fear for their safety — understanding this fear is important in addressing the behaviour. Children who are groomed by gangs or county lines operations are at particular risk. Social media can glamorise knife carrying and gang culture, making it appear aspirational.
Warning signs
In your child's behaviour
- • Carrying a weapon or talking about knives, weapons, or gang activity
- • New older friends or associates that parents have not met
- • Unexplained injuries, withdrawal from family, or sudden changes in behaviour
On their device
- • Following social media accounts associated with gang culture or county lines
- • Messages using coded language associated with drug supply or gang activity
Prevention steps
Talk openly about knife crime without lecturing
Have honest, age-appropriate conversations about the realities of knife crime — that carrying a knife increases the risk of being seriously hurt, that knives intended for self-protection are often used against the carrier, and that the legal consequences are serious. Avoid being preachy; ask questions and listen to your child's perspective.
Know your child's friendships and whereabouts
Stay connected with who your child spends time with, where they go, and what they do. This does not mean constant surveillance — it means maintaining a relationship where your child feels comfortable sharing their life with you. New older friendships or unexplained money should prompt a gentle, non-accusatory conversation.
If you suspect your child is carrying a knife, act urgently
Do not confront a child you believe is armed. Contact the police on 101 for non-emergency advice, or speak to your child's school. Early intervention is key — schools and youth workers can access support programmes that address the underlying reasons for knife carrying.
What to do if it happens
- 1If a child is in immediate danger or has been injured, call 999 immediately. Do not attempt to remove a knife from a child yourself.
- 2If you discover your child is carrying a knife, contact the police on 101 or speak to a trusted professional such as a teacher or youth worker. You can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or use Fearless.org to report information without giving your name.
- 3Seek support from your child's school, GP, or local youth services. Many areas have Violence Reduction Units offering targeted support for young people at risk.
Related topics
This is practical educational content to support families. For case-specific concerns about a child's safety, contact the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000 or your local safeguarding team.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Resources
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Last reviewed: 2026-04-15