Knife crime - information for parents

Thankfully, it is only the minority of people in Derbyshire who think it is acceptable to pick up a knife. However, we will never become complacent, and it remains a priority for us to make sure our young people are kept safe.

We know it can be tricky to start the conversation about knife crime with your children or any young people you're close to, but it can be vital to do so.

Signs that a young person might be carrying a knife include:

• Withdrawn from family and school 
• Change in behaviour 
• Skipping school 
• Sudden change in friendship groups
• Staying out late
• Being secretive and defensive, particularly about what may be in their bag or bedroom
• Missing kitchen knives 

What you can do

It is important to start a conversation if you think your child, or one of their friends, is carrying a knife.

There are many reasons why they might do - whether it is peer pressure or feeling the need to protect themselves - which if they are carrying they are actually putting themselves in more danger.

You can dispel some myths around knife crime together, speak about setting boundaries and choosing friends wisely, for example.

A guide to creating an open conversation can be found on Action for Children: Help if you're worried about your child and knife crime

There are also a number of resources which could help you as a responsible adult:

• The Ben Kinsella Trust offer a range of resources and training opportunities for parents: Resources for parents and carers | The Ben Kinsella Trust
• The Violence Reduction Alliance, alongside the Ben Kinsella Trust, have created a guide for parents and carers on knife crime harm: Guide for Parents and Carers on Knife Harm - Violence Reduction Alliance 
• The Derby and Derbyshire Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) have some helpful and educational resources and documents: Resources - Violence Reduction Unit - Derby and Derbyshire

Reporting

Many young people feel anxious or unable to report if someone is carrying a knife, especially if it is someone they know or are friends with.

You can reassure them that reporting is the right thing to do and there are anonymous ways to do this.

• Crimestoppers: 0800 555 111 or online at Giving information anonymously | Crimestoppers
• Fearless: Crimestoppers' dedicated service for young people. Find out more at Give information about crime 100% anonymously | Fearless | Crimestoppers

Working with schools

Our officers consistently work with schools to provide inputs on knife crime, especially during the twice-yearly Op Sceptre national week of action.

Local teams deliver age-appropriate sessions. This includes an interactive board game called 'Shattered' where the students work through different scenarios and see the consequences of the decisions they make as they go through the game.

Speak with your school to find out more about the specific sessions being delivered. You can also find out more about Shattered here: Shattered – knife crime board game and primary school workbook | College of Policing