CYP Now - Why using relationships to build emotional intelligence in young people will reduce knife crime

Knife crime amongst young people has become the centre of media attention in recent years, with many reporting gangs being the leading cause of violence involving weapons.

Paul Oginsky says 'young people are not aliens. Like all of us they need to build relationships in their lives'. Picture: Adobe Stock

Whilst gang related knife crime is a factor, the leading cause goes deeper. To understand violent behaviour, we must understand relationships.

Experts such as those at Merseyside Violence Reduction Partnership (MVRP) have long argued that what leads a child or young person to carry a sharp object or even use it is linked intrinsically with relationships between peers, with family and with those in authority.

If young people grow up experiencing trauma, adversity, negative influences, or chaotic environments, then from a very young age, their ability to empathise, their brain development, and their physical response to being hypervigilant is likely to be affected. In turn, this affects emotional intelligence.

Register Now to Continue Reading

Thank you for visiting Children & Young People Now and making use of our archive of more than 60,000 expert features, topics hubs, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:

What's Included