Crime and Law

Pupils should understand:

• The legal consequences of carrying, using, or threatening someone with a knife.
• That carrying a knife for protection can increase, rather than reduce, the risk of harm.
• The physical, emotional, and lifelong impact knife crime can have on victims, perpetrators, and communities.
• How social influences, peer pressure, gangs, exploitation, and online content can normalise or glamorise knife carrying.
• How to recognise risk factors and seek support for themselves or others.

Children and young people involved in knife crime often have additional vulnerabilities, such as experiences of poverty, abuse, neglect, exploitation, social exclusion, or family difficulties. Some may be carrying knives because they are frightened, have been exposed to violence, or have been groomed by others.

Schools can help reduce risk by:

• Delivering age-appropriate education about knife crime and personal safety.
• Promoting positive relationships, resilience, and healthy decision-making.
• Identifying vulnerable pupils and providing early support.
• Working closely with families, safeguarding partners, community organisations, and local police services.
• Creating a safe environment where pupils feel able to discuss concerns and seek help.

By raising awareness, challenging misconceptions, and providing early intervention, schools can help prevent children and young people from becoming victims of, or involved in, knife crime.

County lines is closely linked to:

• Drug dealing and gang activity.
• Violence and weapon carrying.
• Child criminal and sexual exploitation.
• Modern slavery.
• Missing children and young people.

Children as young as 12 have been identified as victims, although those aged 15-16 are most commonly affected. Criminal groups often target vulnerable young people, including those with experiences of neglect, abuse, family difficulties, poor mental health, social isolation, care experience, or exclusion from education.

Signs that a child may be at risk include:

• Going missing from home or school.
• Being found in areas away from where they live.
• Unexplained money, clothing, gifts, or mobile phones.
• Increased secrecy or association with older individuals or groups.
• Carrying weapons.
• A sudden decline in school attendance, behaviour, or attainment.
• Changes in emotional wellbeing, including anxiety or self-harm.
• Unexplained injuries or concerns raised by parents or carers.

Schools play an important role in recognising these warning signs, educating pupils about exploitation, and ensuring safeguarding concerns are acted upon promptly. Any concerns about county lines involvement should be reported through the school’s safeguarding procedures and, where appropriate, shared with children’s social care or the police.

Early identification and intervention can help prevent children and young people from becoming victims of exploitation and serious harm.