Worried about knife crime?

What parent isn't? A knife crime is now committed every eight minutes in the UK and the news is filled with tragic stabbing fatalities.

Here's how to talk to your teenager about knife culture and help them stay safe.

The facts:

Over 40% of crimes involving knives are carried out by 15 to 18 year-olds
A third of victims are between 10 and 17 years.
21 teenagers have been murdered in London alone this year
Fatal stabbings outnumber fatal gun deaths in the UK by more than three to one
The government has raised the age a knife can be sold to a child from 16 years to 18 years and says it's putting knife and gun crime as top priority with harsher punishments

Don't panic your child

There's no getting away from the fact that knife crime is on the increase. You're bound to be frightened for your child, but try not to pass those fears onto them. Talk to them about the subject honestly and ask how they feel, but avoid scare tactics. Unless you're planning on keeping them inside 24/7, they still need to feel confident to travel to school and back ever day and be able to enjoy life and go out with their friends.

Get the facts

More crimes are committed against older children than any other age group, but be realistic about the possibility of knife crime in your area. Do you live in a high-risk area? Check out crime statistics and ask your local police for advice. If you live in a city the chances of these sorts of crimes are inevitably higher, so prepare your child (see how to keep them safe, below).

- Next: Keep them safe on the streets