If you are concerned that your child is at risk of ,or thinking about carrying a knife, don't panic. We want you to feel confident that you can speak with them or ask for support without putting yourself or them at risk. This is being a responsible parent.

Your child may feel the need to carry a knife for various reasons; they're feeling threatened, their friends are carrying knives, they're carrying a knife for a friend or they may be copying something they have seen on TV or computer games.

        

Starting a conversation

If you suspect that your child is at risk of becoming involved in knives, the right thing to do is gently discuss the matter with them. We appreciate this could be a very difficult subject to bring up. 

The Cut It Out advice poster may help give you the confidence to open up a discussion or seek further support. Your child might not realise how serious the matter is, what impact it can have on their life and the lives of others.

Ask for help

If you do not feel able to raise the issue with your child, you can consider sharing information with the Police. They welcome all information linked to the carrying of weapons and will work with young people to prevent them becoming further involved in crime.

You may feel more comfortable sharing the information anonymously via Crimestoppers.

What will happen

If a child is suspected (and not necessarily proven) to be carrying a knife, the police will send a warning letter to their home. The aim of the letter is to make the young person think about the impact carrying knives could have on their life and help them make informed decisions on their future behaviour. The letter will also offer advice on how to seek support.

St Helens Youth Justice Service work with children and young people aged eight to 18 years who have offended, or are at risk of offending, and help prevent them getting into further trouble. The team consists of staff from Police, Probation Service, Health Service, Education and Social Services. All will work with young people to help them live a crime-free life.