Photo: By Tristan Frank on Unsplash
Under the knife: Neil Crabtree wants Friends to get involved
‘Teenagers who pride themselves on being streetwise are actually unprepared for life socialising on the streets.’
Two disturbing reports were featured on Radio Scotland this morning, related to knife crime among young males. The first described how primary school children were concerned about knives, prompting calls for conflict resolution techniques to be introduced. The second reported on the jailing of three teenage males for the murder of a gang member. Such attacks are now so common that they are quickly forgotten. And the carrying of knives among teenage lads has become an epidemic.
Teenagers who pride themselves on being streetwise are actually unprepared for life socialising on the streets. They have no knowledge about group dynamics, for example. At the very least, young people should be taught how to react in an emergency by calming their friends and contacting the emergency services.
The disarming of young people is going to be difficult. But it has been reported that where youth hubs have been set up, the carrying of knives reduces. This needs expanding, especially for sixteen- and seventeen-year-olds, who are often too old for youth clubs and too young for pubs. I would push this further by suggesting that youth restaurants should be set up, where young people can visit and buy a nutritious meal along with a glass of wine. These centres would be run by youth workers and trained volunteer ‘befrienders’ who can build relationships and direct young people to activities and help in the community.
The image of the carrying of knives needs to be challenged robustly. Perhaps school children should be encouraged to visit a morgue to view cadavers – the message being that continuity of life cannot be guaranteed. This visit could be part of talks on dying and death.
And young people might even be introduced to the words of Jesus, ‘All they that draw the sword will perish by the sword.’ They could be asked what they think this might mean.
Eventually, those Friends concerned with the carrying and use of knives are going to have to examine social media, advertising and films that promote knives and violence. For many young males, image is everything and there is a hierarchy of ‘cool’ in the knife world. But imagine a video clip on social media where a youngster pulls out a knife, only to be met with a chorus of ‘Wanker’ from some passing girls. Initiatives like this need to be examined by Friends, even if it goes against the grain.
There is much talk about the need for young people to undertake some sort of national service. But ‘heroic’ activities that draw young people into community life are sorely needed. The climate crisis will require all citizens to be aware, and to be able to take part, in emergencies. Imagine a time when all young people are ‘called up’ to participate in environmental rescue, where participation is held in high esteem. This could constitute a modern-day rite of passage for young people, the lack of which lies at the root of our problems with alienated youngsters carrying and using knives.
