Getting Real with Guns and Knives: A Resource Guide for Teachers, Parents, Young People and the Wider Community’

Book excerpt: Getting Real with Guns and Knives: Covering Laws, Gang Culture, Music & Social Media Influences, Prevention Strategies and Much More is a 2020 Dreams publication focused on raising awareness about the history, causes, legal implications and potential solutions to knife and gun crime. Most people understand that carrying a knife represents a serious threat to life and liberty. Yet too many young people still make the decision to carry one. Youths and adults alike are sometimes exposed to myths about knives and guns so it is important that everyone keeps themselves fully informed. For example, did you know that: It is illegal to sell a knife of any kind to anyone under the age of 18 (except in Scotland where cutlery and kitchen knives are allowed) It is illegal to buy, sell or carry a firearm without a license It is illegal to buy or sell an imitation firearm to anyone under the age of 18 It is illegal to carry a knife in public without good reason unless the blade is 3 inches or shorter and it is not a banned type (e.g. a Swiss army knife is allowed) Examples of banned knives include zombie knives, disguised knives, stealth knives and swords. It is illegal for anyone to buy, sell or carry these Self-protection is never deemed a good reason to carry a knife It is illegal to use any knife – even a legal one – in a threatening manner ‘Getting Real with Guns and Knives,’ will equip readers with up to date information, research findings and the details of various weapon crime strategies. All 2020 Rising publications are also designed to be hands-on and practical. Teachers and parents will find plenty of activities, discussion points and real life case studies (both uplifting and harrowing) to help them to engage with their students and children. Topics include: The impact of weapon crime on physical and mental health Peer influence and weapon use The effects of social media and video games The role of the police and government in tackling knives and guns Borough wars and the postcode trap Risk perception and reassuring communities The reasons why youths carry knives Predicting youth violence Measuring outcomes of anti-weapon strategies Knife and gun law through time Trap and drill music: a cause or a symptom? The link between drug trafficking and weapons use County lines operations History of knife crime in the United Kingdom Better together: why we need multi-agency strategies The need for school and family initiatives Risk and protective factors Violent behaviour and youth culture