tackling knife crime

Tackling knife crime through mentoring

27th March 2025 | Think Pieces

Knife Crime in the UK: Understanding the Issue and the Power of Mentoring in Tackling Violence

“Tackling knife crime is a priority” Ministry of Justice, 2025

Knife crime in the UK has become a serious issue, that often dominates our news.  Recent statistics has shown that there were over 55,000 recorded knife offences. Of these, 3,591 involved children aged 10 to 17, marking a 27% increase over the past decade (Ministry of Justice, 2025). This highlights the growing impact of knife crime on our society. 

What’s equally troubling is that knife crime isn’t just happening in the streets but is becoming a growing problem within schools. Nearly 1 in 5 teachers report seeing students carrying knives (Sky News), further highlighting the need for more action. Knife crime is no longer just a criminal justice issue—it’s a public health emergency that demands a collaborative, community-focused response. 

There are various reasons why young people get involved in knife crime. Many children carry knives because they are afraid of becoming victims of violence themselves, so the fear of being hurt or bullied leads them to carry a weapon for protection (Traynor, 2016). Others carry knives as a way of coping with the emotional scars left by previous trauma.

Research has shown that children with Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are more likely to use knives as a way to protect themselves from further harm (Gray, Smithson & Jump, 2021). In some communities, carrying a knife is even seen as a way to gain respect or increase status among peers (Knives for Lives). 

This cycle of fear and violence is difficult to break, and it requires more than just law enforcement or harsh punishment. It demands interventions that address the root causes of why young people feel compelled to carry knives in the first place. That’s where mentoring becomes crucial. 

Research has shown that mentoring programs, particularly those that focus on building strong, supportive relationships with trusted adults, can have a significant impact on reducing violence, criminal behaviour, and weapon carrying (Foster, 2014). Mentoring offers young people emotional support, guidance, and a positive role model, which are essential for helping them navigate difficult situations, build resilience, and make better decisions. 

Mentoring programs that can help tackle knife crime should involve regular one-on-one sessions where mentors provide both practical advice and emotional support. By offering a young person a safe, supportive environment, mentors can help them feel more secure and empowered to make positive choices.

One mentoring scheme used in London’s Pupil Referral Units demonstrates the effectiveness of this approach, with 82% of mentored pupils showing improved attendance and stronger relationships with school staff and peers (BBC News). Described as a “critical element” in tackling violence, this mentoring program highlights how providing stability and guidance helps young people build confidence, resist harmful influences, and make safer choices. In the long run, this can reduce their involvement in knife crime and steer them towards a brighter future.  

In conclusion, addressing knife crime in the UK requires a whole community approach. Whether through school-based initiatives or local community programs. By investing in mentoring programs, we can help young people build the resilience needed to make positive decisions. In turn, this can help us reduce the prevalence of knife crime and create a safer society for everyone. 

 

If you would like to learn more about youth mentor training, click below, or contact hello@thementoringschool.com

 

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