News Date: Thursday 1st May 2008
Tim welcomed the results of "Step Inside Our Shoes: young people's views on gun and knife crime," a report published by NCH, the children's charity following a consultation amongst children and young people about their experiences and opinions on gun and knife crime.
The report reveals the widespread fears young people have over gun and knife crime, with many identifying image and a need for protection amongst the reasons why they and their peers get involved.
NCH invited children and young people to share their views and experiences of gun and knife crime through a six month nationwide consultation. Over 800 children and young people from across the UK, particularly those from hard to reach and particularly vulnerable communities, responded.
The results form "Step Inside Our Shoes: young people's views on gun and knife crime", and reveal how many young people and children feel unsafe in their own communities, feel personally affected by gun and knife crime or know someone affected. Alarmingly:
41% of respondents knew somebody who has been personally affected
29% of respondents had been affected by gun and�knife�crime
36% worried about gangs in their area
Just 28% feeling 'very safe' in their community
63 % of young people and children who gave their views believe image is directly linked to gun and knife crime;
Tim commented:
"NCH's report has provided a shocking insight into young people's everyday experiences of gun and knife crime. It shouldn't be the case that young children have real knowledge about gun culture; it shouldn't be that teenagers know someone that has been stabbed.
"We need to find practical ways of tackling gun and knife crime. That's why I welcome this report, as it makes an invaluable contribution to creating solutions to support those it can sadly affect the most."
Young people also revealed their frustrations over being misrepresented. Official statistics available show that in England and Wales young people under 16 are over five times more likely to be victims of assault than people aged 16 plus. Many told NCH that they felt angry about the negative portrayal of young people and the misconception they are often perpetrators rather than victims of gun and knife crime.
"There is only a very small minority of young people who are involved in Gun & knife Crime; the rest just want to feel safe walking down the street."
"We are already labelled as 'troublemakers` so we conform to that stereotype. As many young people who get involved in crime are working class our dreams are already shattered as all hope is lost because of our background ..." (18 year old, Hackney)
The charity's report also highlights the importance of offering young people alternatives. As part of NCH's Growing Strong campaign, emotional wellbeing for all children has been highlighted as essential in improving behaviour. The campaign stresses that without developing qualities such as resilience, good communication skills and self-esteem from a young age, children are at risk of not being able to meet challenges they may face in life often leading them to antisocial and negative behaviour.
Tim continued:
"We need to sit up and listen to what young people have told NCH about gun and knife crime and look at how we meet their needs and concerns. It is also essential we keep listening to young people on this issue and involve them in creating solutions for our community. As this report shows-they share the concerns many have us have about gun and knife and have ideas on how to change things for the better."
Clare Tickell, Chief Executive of NCH the children's charity commented:
"I'd like to thank Tim for his support of NCH's report on this important issue.
"We need to include young people in solutions and involve them in shaping local services. We need to stop demonising children and young people but engage and challenge, leaving them with the emotional wellbeing and confidence to meet life's challenges. Tim's support is an invaluable step forward in ensuring this happens."
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