Start the conversation - 10 step guide

Follow our 10 step guide to help you talk to a young person about not carrying a knife.

Are you concerned about a young person?

Family, friends, teachers and peers all have an important influence on young people and have a powerful effect. It might be a difficult conversation – but talking about not carrying a knife 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: Finding it hard to begin? Why not refer to some recent news stories as conversation starters

Step 3: Discuss each other’s views on knives

Step 4: Stop and listen to what you’re being told – remember a young person is more likely to respond if they feel heard without judgement

Step 5: Understand that they might feel like they don’t have any other choices, support them to see that they do. Refer to the LiveSafe website for resourcing and signposting opportunities

Step 6: Explain that knives do not give protection. Carrying one could mean prison, serious consequences or getting hurt themselves

Step 7: If they’re found in possession of a knife they could end up with a four year prison sentence and a criminal record which could prevent them getting into higher education, applying for certain jobs or travelling to other countries

Step 8: Explore scenarios which they could use to remove themselves from potentially dangerous situations they may find themselves in. For example, they might say they have to pick up a younger sibling or you could arrange to call them if they send you a coded message / emoji

Step 9: Reassure them that most people their age and older do not carry knives, those that do carry one do so because they are worried about others carrying one 

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