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Child knife crime views revealed Child knife crime views revealed
(about 9 hours later)
One in six young people in England and a third of those in London think knife crime is a problem, a survey suggests.One in six young people in England and a third of those in London think knife crime is a problem, a survey suggests.
The Children's Commissioner sought the views of 1,700 children for the study on attitudes to gun and knife crime.The Children's Commissioner sought the views of 1,700 children for the study on attitudes to gun and knife crime.
Some 7% aged eight to 17 felt guns were a problem in their area, and the figure rose to 15% when asked about knives.Some 7% aged eight to 17 felt guns were a problem in their area, and the figure rose to 15% when asked about knives.
And almost half said longer prison sentences would be the best deterrent, while one third believed education about the consequences was the answer.And almost half said longer prison sentences would be the best deterrent, while one third believed education about the consequences was the answer.
Attitudes to police The 2% of those aged 12 to 17 who admitted carrying a knife illegally said they did so out of fear or for self-protection. It behoves every one of us - adults, schools, families - to try to reassure children Sir Al Aynsley-Green, Children's Commissioner for England
The 2% of those aged 12 to 17 who admitted carrying a knife illegally said they did so out of fear or for self-protection. The survey also found overwhelmingly positive attitudes to the police, with over 80% saying they liked or quite liked the force.
They survey also found overwhelmingly positive attitudes to the police, with over 80% saying they liked or quite liked the force.
But over half said they saw the police about either infrequently or never.But over half said they saw the police about either infrequently or never.
The Children's Commissioner for England Sir Al Aynsley-Green said young people needed to be reassured.
"It behoves every one of us - adults, schools, families - to try to reassure children, yes there is an issue in some places, but 98% of our children feel that they are law-abiding and they don't carry knives."
Offer alternatives
Earlier this week, separate National Health Service figures showed the number of people admitted to hospitals in England as a result of knife injuries fell by 8% to 4,899 last year from 5,350 in 2007.Earlier this week, separate National Health Service figures showed the number of people admitted to hospitals in England as a result of knife injuries fell by 8% to 4,899 last year from 5,350 in 2007.
The statistics also revealed there was a 14% fall in the number of teenagers admitted to hospital with stab wounds.The statistics also revealed there was a 14% fall in the number of teenagers admitted to hospital with stab wounds.
However Nathan John, who is involved with youth projects in London, said many youngsters there felt they should carry knives to protect themselves.
"They do feel strongly that there are young people out there who do carry knives, and they feel that if they don't have one on them, if they're caught out by that young person, they have no chance."
He said there was often too much focus on "putting the guns and knives down" without offering an alternative.
Through an organisation called Safetybox, he said he works with youngsters on improving their self-esteem, confidence and self defence tactics.
The aim was to let youngsters know they could protect themselves without carrying a weapon, he added.