Dr Rhian Croke, Children’s Rights Strategic Litigation and Policy Advocacy Lead, Children’s Legal Centre Wales
Child knife crime is a deeply concerning issue that demands a thoughtful, evidence-based approach. Recent official statistics indicate that, while media coverage may suggest otherwise, child knife crime is on the decline.
The number of knife or offensive weapon offences committed by children (England/Wales) in the year ending March 2024 dropped by 6% compared to the previous year. This marks the sixth consecutive year of decline. Of the offenses committed, 99.7% involved children in possession of knives, with a mere 0.1% related to threatening others. It’s also essential to understand that the vast majority of knife crimes are committed by adults, not children.[i] This highlights that while we must address these incidents, it is equally important not to demonise children, as most may have never considered carrying or using a knife.
The Importance of an Evidence-Based Response
An evidence-based response is key to understanding and addressing this issue effectively. Recent insights from the Youth Justice Board (YJB) and other experts show that the reasons children carry knives are often linked to societal factors like poverty, marginalisation, fear, and trauma. Children’s lived experiences, including Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), criminal exploitation, and victimisation, must be taken seriously when crafting solutions.
Swansea University’s research project, part of their Voices from Research programme, is one of many efforts aimed at better understanding why children carry knives. By directly engaging with children, we can ensure that our response is both compassionate and informed by children.[ii]
Examining Current Interventions
Equally important is examining current interventions. Evidence suggests that some popular strategies have shown limited success. Knife surrender schemes, education programmes, and media campaigns often have weak or unclear outcomes. For example, some studies suggest that media campaigns might actually increase fear and the likelihood of children carrying knives. Similarly, stop-and-search practices do not effectively prevent knife crime and may disproportionately affect Black children. Moreover, mandatory minimum sentencing has been shown to harm children, often increasing stigma and reoffending rates.
Successful Strategies
On the other hand, strategies focused on diversion and early intervention have proven more effective. Programmes like Pre-Court Diversion have led to a 13% reduction in reoffending, and Wales has a strong track record in implementing diversion programmes.[iii] The Welsh Government Youth Justice Blueprint emphasises the importance of these approaches.
Tailored assessments that consider broader issues such as education, housing, and mental health are also crucial for addressing the underlying needs of children involved in knife crime. Youth Justice Services, working in collaboration with other services across Wales, are well-positioned to offer an approach that allows for more effective, individualised support and reduces the likelihood of long-term harm.
Addressing the Root Causes
Preventing knife crime means addressing the root causes. In areas with high deprivation, social exclusion, and neglect, children are more likely to be involved in violence.
In Wales, nearly a third of children live in poverty, which can be linked to abuse, neglect, and other risk factors. After many years of austerity with cuts to child services, education, mental health, and health services, and punitive social security measures such as the benefit cap and two-child limit, there are fewer options for children and their families to access the support they need. Tackling child poverty and investing in support services for families is a critical part of any prevention strategy.
The Impact of School Knife Crime in Wales
The recent school knife crime incidents reported in the media in Wales has understandably caused alarm. However, these cases remain rare, and it is crucial not to overreact or punish all children for the actions of a few. Schools must not be places of exclusion but safe spaces that provide a quality education but also support to vulnerable children. Blanket exclusion policies, can often exacerbate the problem, increasing the likelihood that children will become exposed to and involved in criminal behaviour or exploitation. A “Child First, Child Rights, and Safeguarding” approach, which focuses on understanding each child’s circumstances, is essential. The goal should be to provide appropriate interventions that support the child and address the root causes of their behaviour.
Encouraging Dialogue and Understanding
Experts like the Head of Estyn and the Children’s Commissioner for Wales have highlighted the importance of understanding the reasons behind these knife crime behaviours and also encourage supportive rather than punitive approaches.
The Welsh Government has also communicated that they will not be pursuing security guards, police patrols, or scanners in schools. Instead, they have announced a “National Behaviour Summit’ to be held in May, with a focus on dialogue and a more supportive approach to dealing with the challenges children face.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while knife crime committed by children is a serious issue, the response must be grounded in evidence, focused on understanding the broader societal factors that contribute to these behaviours and learning directly from children. By investing in prevention, early intervention, and support services, we can address the root causes of knife crime and protect the well-being of children in Wales.
[i] Youth Justice Boards Knife Crime Evidence and Insights Pack 2025 https://yjresourcehub.uk/knifecrimeevidenceinsights_feb25/
[ii] At the Children’s Legal Centre Wales, we are also conducting education and engagement sessions with children in secondary schools. Learning from children as well as ensuring they understand the facts about knife crime and are empowered to understand their legal rights.
Additionally, research is being undertaken at Swansea University, through the Youth Justice Research Team, in partnership with Swansea Youth Justice Service and other statutory partners such as schools, to understand young people’s experiences of knife crime and pivotally, how in the view of young people, better education and preventative measures can be developed to protect them from this type of offence.
[iii] See: Haines, K., Case, S., Davies, K., & Charles, A. (2013). The Swansea Bureau: A model of diversion from the youth justice system. International Journal of Law, Crime and Justice, 41(2), 167-187; Haines, K., & Charles, A. (2010). The Swansea Bureau: Children first, offending second. Report, Swansea Youth Offending Service, Swansea; WILLIAMS, K. S., & Llywelyn, D. (2016). An Independent Evaluation of the Dyfed-Powys Bureaus; Case, S., & Haines, K. (2015). Children first, offenders second: The centrality of engagement in positive youth justice. The Howard Journal of Criminal Justice, 54(2), 157-175.