New
New
Lesson 3 of 3
  • Year 9

The consequences of knife crime

I can explain the consequences of knife crime for individuals and communities and how it impacts future choices.

Lesson 3 of 3
New
New
  • Year 9

The consequences of knife crime

I can explain the consequences of knife crime for individuals and communities and how it impacts future choices.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Knife crime can have legal, physical and emotional consequences for everyone involved.
  2. Victims, perpetrators, families and communities are all affected by knife crime.
  3. Being involved in knife crime can affect future education, employment and travel opportunities.
  4. Healthy, positive decision-making reduces risks and promotes safer communities.

Keywords

  • Victim - a person who is harmed as a result of another's actions

  • Perpetrator - an individual who has committed a harmful act

  • Consequence - the result of something happening

Common misconception

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

Carrying or being near knives puts everyone at risk, including the person holding it. Many injuries in knife crime happen to the person carrying the weapon.


To help you plan your year 9 RSHE (PSHE) lesson on: The consequences of knife crime, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Before delivering this lesson, speak with your RSHE lead or Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL). They may help you connect with specialist charities or local networks that can provide support, advice and information about knife crime relating to your educational setting.
Teacher tip

Equipment

Content guidance

  • Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
  • Depiction or discussion of serious crime
  • Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Supervision

Adult supervision required

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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Prior knowledge starter quiz

Download quiz pdf

6 Questions

Q1.
If someone breaks a law, they have committed an ...

Correct Answer: offence

Q2.
What does the word 'possession' mean in a legal context?

wanting to own something
borrowing an item temporarily
Correct answer: having something under your control
seeing something in a shop

Q3.
Match the type of knife to the correct category as determined by UK law.

Correct Answer:disguised knives,banned knives and weapons

banned knives and weapons

Correct Answer:a knife with a blade longer than 7.62 cm,knives you can own, but can't carry in public without good reason

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

Correct Answer:folding pocket knife with short blade,legal carry knives

legal carry knives

Q4.
There is ‘good reason’ defence for possessing banned offensive weapons.

Correct Answer: no

Q5.
Is it an offence for a 16-year-old to try to order a kitchen knife online?

No - the buyer is over 16 so can legally buy a kitchen knife.
Correct answer: 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.
Correct answer: Yes - the seller would also commit an offence if they allowed the sale.

Q6.
A criminal record could affect which of the following?

only your school grades
only your friendships and family relationships
your favourite hobbies
Correct answer: future job and travel opportunities

Assessment exit quiz

Download quiz pdf

6 Questions

Q1.
Match the words to their correct definitions.

Correct Answer:victim,a person who is harmed as a result of another's actions

a person who is harmed as a result of another's actions

Correct Answer:perpetrator,an individual who has committed a harmful act

an individual who has committed a harmful act

Correct Answer:consequence,the result of something happening

the result of something happening

Q2.
Who might be affected when knife crime happens in a community?

only the victim
Correct answer: families of those involved
Correct answer: people living in the area
only local businesses

Q3.
Match each type of knife crime consequence to an example.

Correct Answer:legal,being arrested or getting a criminal record

being arrested or getting a criminal record

Correct Answer:physical,getting injured or hurt

getting injured or hurt

Correct Answer:emotional,feeling scared or worried

feeling scared or worried

Q4.
Healthy, positive decision-making risks and promotes safer communities.

Correct Answer: reduces, removes, decreases

Q5.
If anyone feels worried about weapon-related crime in their community, they should:

Correct answer: report it anonymously to Crimestoppers
Correct answer: always speak to a trusted adult
keep it to themselves so as not to be called a 'snitch'
angrily confront the person carrying the weapon

Q6.
Which of the following statements is false?

Knife attacks can be fatal.
Carrying or being near knives puts everyone at risk.
Correct answer: 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.