Today (Wednesday 29 January), a fresh movement to make teenage boys think twice about carrying a knife is launching across South Yorkshire.
Knives Take Lives aims to change the behaviour of teenagers in South Yorkshire who may be starting to think about carrying a knife.
Research shows boys in their teens who carry knives do so for their own perceived protection, or for social status among their friends. Today we are asking them: ‘Will carrying a knife really protect you – or will it destroy your life?’
Here in South Yorkshire, we have unfortunately seen first-hand the devastating impact knife crime can bring to families, friends and our local communities. Our region is the fourth highest in the country for knife crime offences, both by volume and rate per 100,000 population. In 2024, five people in the county tragically lost their lives as a result of being stabbed. This is not acceptable and together we must make a change.
We know that anyone can become a victim of knife crime, but a disproportionate number of those caught carrying a bladed article are teenaged boys. The campaign’s target audience is boys aged 11 to 14, who may be starting to feel pressure to carry a knife.
Knives Take Lives aims to change the behaviour of teenagers in South Yorkshire who may be starting to think about carrying a knife.
Research shows boys in their teens who carry knives do so for their own perceived protection, or for social status among their friends. Today we are asking them: ‘Will carrying a knife really protect you – or will it destroy your life?’
Here in South Yorkshire, we have unfortunately seen first-hand the devastating impact knife crime can bring to families, friends and our local communities. Our region is the fourth highest in the country for knife crime offences, both by volume and rate per 100,000 population. In 2024, five people in the county tragically lost their lives as a result of being stabbed. This is not acceptable and together we must make a change.
We know that anyone can become a victim of knife crime, but a disproportionate number of those caught carrying a bladed article are teenaged boys. The campaign’s target audience is boys aged 11 to 14, who may be starting to feel pressure to carry a knife.
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NewsTranscript
00:00I carry it for my own protection. I carry it to protect my friends. They all carry too.
00:13I carry it to protect my girl. My family. I carry it to protect the drug line. I carry
00:21it because they expect me to. I want to impress them. I carry it to be a someone. Not a nobody.
00:29No one. I lose control. I lose my mind. I stab. I kill. I run. I'm caught. Sim card
00:43snapped. The drug line goes still. For a day or two. I turn 18. I attend my Crown Court
00:53trial. They find me guilty. I get a life sentence. I will be inside for at least 18
01:03years. I kill my mum inside. I see my younger brother cry. I hear my girl has moved on.
01:14I have my last visit for my friends. I am released. I did not protect myself.