any crime that involves a knife, including carrying, threatening with, or using it illegally

to make something harmful or dangerous seem attractive or exciting, often in media or online

to change or twist something away from its normal or true form

Knife crime

RSHE (PSHE)

The laws about knives and weapons

The consequences of knife crime

This unit, aligned with the 2025 RSHE guidance, explores knife crime and legislation regarding weapons. Pupils learn about legal consequences, understand how online sources can glamorise and distort the realities of carrying knives, and recognise strategies to stay safe whilst accessing support.

Staying safe: what do I need to know about knife crime?

Subjects which particular individuals may be sensitive to, eg, adoption, migration, bereavement or death, divorce, poverty, deprivation.

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Depiction or discussion of violence or fighting, including threats of violence or the aftermath of violence.

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Depiction or discussion of peer pressure or bullying

References to gangs, knife crime, Child criminal exploitation, county lines.

to make something harmful or dangerous seem attractive or exciting

Most young people carry knives for protection.

Carrying knives is normal for the majority of teenagers.

A small number of young people carry knives, but it is rare.

A small number of young people carry knives as they are expensive.

Which statement is correct about knife carrying among young people in England?

Carrying a knife often {{}} the risk of harm to yourself.

It always gives a true picture of knife crime.

It can stop people from worrying about knife crime.

It can glamorise violence or distort reality.

Priya sees several videos on social media showing young people with knives, with comments saying "Everyone carries one now." How might this type of content affect how knife crime is viewed?

Match each concern with an appropriate source of support.

you automatically become safer and more confident in all situations

you could receive up to four years in prison even if you never use it

other people will respect you more and leave you alone

you could get a permanent criminal record affecting future opportunities

What are potential consequences of carrying a knife?

to make something seem boring and uninteresting

to make something seem attractive and exciting

What does the word 'glamorise' mean in general terms?

If you feel unsafe or worried about violence, the best thing to do is seek help from a {{}} adult.

talk to a trusted adult about your concerns

Match each situation with the best response.

official police and government statistics

Which of these is most likely to give you accurate information about crime?

If someone carries a weapon "for protection", this most likely makes them:

Carrying weapons typically makes conflicts more {{}}, not safer.

Starter Quiz

What does the word 'glamorise' mean in general terms?