EDIT JAN 2019 – SEE OUR SERIES OF VIDEOS WITH YOUTH VIOLENCE SPECIALIST CRAIG PINKNEY HERE
This post is a copy of the links shared via the LGfL DigiSafe newsletter a few weeks ago, but due to popular demand, I’m reposting here a roundup of resources and advice available for schools on knives and gangs. Do let us know what else you would find useful.
You may have seen Home Office #KnifeFree adverts in the past few weeks. There is an accompanying website: knifefree.co.uk has videos of people who have moved away from or resisted gangs, includes risks, consequences, facts, info for parents, reporting advice and further links. The videos may be more suited to Secondary pupils, but there is lots that could be useful in Primaries for teachers and parents.
There are also POSTERS which might help as discussion starters around school.
The NSPCC has a dedicated gangs page which will be useful for all colleagues. There is advice and guidance and a great video to share with staff / parents.
Make sure parents are aware they can call the NSPCC hotline (0808 800 5000) for adults concerned about a child for advice on issues including gangs:
Here is a government advice leaflet for parents and carers (it’s from 2014 but still offers useful advice).
Poster from Brent council with signs to look out for – meant for parents but great for the staffroom too.
Finally, below is a list of further links that may be of use / interest.
But first, we are looking at what other support we can offer to schools in the area of gangs, in particular in relation to social-media-driven conflict, aggression and violence. If you have ideas or particular needs in this area, hit reply to tell us so we can best provide the support you need.
- Home Office advice from 2015 for schools and colleges on Preventing youth violence and gang involvement
- Gov.uk press release from the Home Office on new government plans for Serious Violence Strategy
- Research and reports:
- 2018 EIF report ‘The role of primary schools in preventing young people from joining gangs
- 2016 Catch 22 report Safer Schools: Keeping gang culture outside the gates
- 2015 Home Office / EIF review What Works To Prevent Gang Involvement, Youth Violence And Crime
- Three London-specific ones:
- Mayor’s Office Policing and Crime Unit Gang Interventions
- Mayor’s Office Gangs Dashboard will help you find out what is available in your local area
- Gang Exit London
