a breach of a law or rule; an illegal act

having something that belongs to you or is under your control, such as keeping an item, weapon or other object with you or in your care

The laws about knives and weapons

RSHE (PSHE)

Knife crime

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

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

having something that belongs to you or is under your control

a weapon that is designed to be concealed, e.g., in an everyday object

Match the words to their correct definitions.

It’s always illegal if you're under 18.

Which of these statements about carrying knives or weapons in the UK is true?

If someone carries a knife but never uses it, what could happen under the law?

they would only be punished if they were over 18

What could happen if someone is caught trying to buy a knife illegally online?

The purpose of weapon-related laws is to {{}} violence before it happens.

A person found guilty of carrying a knife can face a ...

Which word means to change or twist something away from its normal or true form?

to make something dangerous seem attractive or exciting

to warn people about potential dangers they should avoid

to share accurate information via reputable news sources

to hide something from view to avoid getting into trouble

What does it mean to 'glamorise' something?

Carrying a knife for protection makes you safer. True or false?

glamorisation - makes violence look attractive

Match the scenario to whether it shows reality or glamorisation.

Which statement is true about knife crime in the UK?

The laws about knives and weapons

Lesson outcome

Content guidance