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Writer's pictureSteve Howard

The impact of knife crime on young people

Knife crime in the UK has been a growing concern in recent years, with statistics showing an increase in the number of knife-related offenses. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), knife crime in England and Wales reached a record high in the year ending March 2020, with a total of 44,771 offenses recorded. This represents an 8% increase compared to the previous year and the highest number of offenses recorded since the data began in 2011.


London has been particularly affected by knife crime, with data from the Metropolitan Police

showing that knife crime in the city increased by 23% in the year ending March 2020. The number of

homicides involving a knife in London also rose from 122 in 2016 to 149 in 2019.


Research has identified a number of factors that may contribute to the rise in knife crime, including

poverty, lack of education and employment opportunities, and exposure to violence. A report from

the Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH) suggests that poverty and inequality are key drivers of

knife crime, with young people from disadvantaged backgrounds more likely to carry a knife for

protection.



While there is no single solution to reducing knife crime, research suggests that psychological

education may play a role in preventing young people from becoming involved in violent behavior. A

study published in the British Journal of Criminology found that education programs that focus on

developing empathy and emotional regulation skills can help to reduce aggression and violence in

young people.


Additionally, The Office of the Children's Commissioner in the UK published a report in 2017 which

indicates that providing young people with education and mentoring programs that focus on

building life skills and problem-solving abilities, as well as providing support for mental health issues

such as trauma and depression, can help to reduce the risk of young people becoming involved in

knife crime.


In conclusion, knife crime in the UK is a significant concern, with statistics showing an increase in the

number of knife-related offenses in recent years. Factors such as poverty and inequality are believed

to be key drivers of knife crime, with young people from disadvantaged backgrounds more likely to

be involved. However, psychological education and mentoring programs that focus on building life

skills, emotional regulation and support for mental health issues can help to reduce the risk of young

people becoming involved in knife crime.


What support can bMindful Psychology offer?

At bMindful Psychology, we understand the complex and unique needs of young people who have

experienced trauma. Our team of trained professionals provides evidence-based and trauma-

informed support to young people, families and care teams.


Our approach is grounded in the latest research and best practices, and we work closely with other

professionals to provide a holistic and integrated approach to care.


We offer a range of evidence-based interventions to support the young people, including cognitive-

behavioral therapy, which can help to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, and trauma-

focused cognitive-behavioral therapy, which is specifically designed to help young people who have

experienced trauma.


We also offer support to carers, including supervision, training, and consultation, to help them

understand and respond effectively to the needs of young people who have experienced trauma.


This includes providing information on how trauma can affect young people's behavior and

development, as well as strategies for creating a safe and supportive environment.


In addition to these services, we also offer support for the whole system, including the delivery of

various training courses that are trauma-informed and evidence-based.


How can bMindful help?

At bMindful Psychology, we believe that by providing evidence-based and trauma-informed support,

we can help young people to overcome the effects of trauma and move forward in their lives. We

are committed to working closely with young people, parents, carers and other professionals to

provide the best possible care and support.


If you would like to know more about how we can help support you, or your business, please visit

our website www.bMindfulpsychology.co.uk or call our office on 0161 510 0111.


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