Start the conversation - 10 step guide

Follow our 10 Step Guide to help you talk to a young person about carrying a knife

Are you concerned about a young person?

Family, friends, teachers and role models are an important influence on a young person, and you can have a powerful effect. It might be a difficult conversation – but talking about knife carrying is critical to finding a solution.

When you speak to a young person, it’s important to be clear that they have a choice, even when they think they may not.

Step 1: Find a time to chat comfortably

Step 2: They might be reluctant to talk to you, so why not use recent news as a conversation starter

Step 3: Discuss each other’s views on knives, remember you’re there to listen and support them.

Step 4: Understand that they might feel like they don’t have any other choices, support them to see that they do.

Step 5: Explain that knives do not give protection. Carrying one could mean prison or getting hurt themselves.

Step 6: Say the bravest thing to do is to walk away from a dangerous situation

Step 7: Explore excuses with them that they can use to walk away

Step 8:  For example they might say they have to pick up younger sibling or you could arrange to call them if they send you a message.

Step 9: Reassure them that most people their age and older do not carry knives

Step 10: Explain they can always report their concerns about anyone carrying a knife anonymously through Fearless, an organisation designed to help young people.