The consequences of knife crime

RSHE (PSHE)

Knife crime

The laws about knives and weapons

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

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

Match the words to their correct definitions.

Who might be affected when knife crime happens in a community?

being arrested or getting a criminal record

Match each type of knife crime consequence to an example.

Healthy, positive decision-making {{}} risks and promotes safer communities.

keep it to themselves so as not to be called a 'snitch'

angrily confront the person carrying the weapon

If anyone feels worried about weapon-related crime in their community, they should:

Carrying or being near knives puts everyone at risk.

Carrying a knife is only dangerous for the person it’s used against.

Many injuries in knife crime happen to the person carrying the weapon.

Which of the following statements is **false**?

If someone breaks a law, they have committed an ...

What does the word 'possession' mean in a legal context?

knives you can own, but can't carry in public without good reason

Match the type of knife to the correct category as determined by UK law.

There is {{}} ‘good reason’ defence for possessing banned offensive weapons.

No - the buyer is over 16 so can legally buy a kitchen knife.

Yes - the buyer is under 18 so cannot legally buy knives.

No - the seller would not get into trouble if they carried out an age check.

Yes - the seller would also commit an offence if they allowed the sale.

Is it an offence for a 16-year-old to try to order a kitchen knife online?

only your friendships and family relationships

A criminal record could affect which of the following?

Starter Quiz

If someone breaks a law, they have committed an ...