The Mind Behind the Blade: Understanding the Psychology of Knife Crime Among UK Youths.

Knife crime is a frequently growing threat within our society and a threat to the safety of all people in London.

Knife crime has emerged as a pressing concern in our society, posing a consistent threat to the safety of individuals across London. The primary demographic involved in these incidents comprises young black men entrenched in gang activities, as highlighted by a Science Direct report conducting a systematic review of knife crime perpetrators. This study underscores the role of risk factors such as drug use, mental health challenges, and exposure to violence in contributing to the perpetuation of knife crimes. Additionally, the report emphasises the higher likelihood of males engaging in knife offences within the community, particularly in urban settings like London, where a black male aged 18-24 is statistically more prone to committing violent knife crimes. Many young people carry knives not with the deliberate intention to harm, but to protect themselves or to gain respect from peers. It is important to decrease fear of crime and give young people alternative strategies to build self-esteem. It seems like the main issue regarding the increasing cases of knife crime is that

young men see knives as a form of protection from being attacked by knives themselves, creating a never-ending cycle of deaths.

The demographic of knife crime perpetrators is mainly young, black men who are involved in gang activity. A report from Science Direct outlines a systematic review of perpetrators of knife crimes. Firstly, drug use, mental health issues and exposure to violence were risk factors for knife crime and secondly, males were more likely to carry out knife offences in the community. However, juveniles (aged 10-17) only made up 21% of UK offenders found in possession of a weapon in 2018 (Allen & Audikas, 2018), meaning that they only account for a small proportion of knife users. This leads to the discussion that knife crime could not just be an issue within the youth, but also the result of a deeper issue within black men.

REASONS BEHIND KNIFE CRIME

The surge in knife crime incidents lies in unaddressed fears harboured by many young men. It's important to recognize that not all individuals carrying knives harbour a deliberate intent to cause harm; rather, they may do so as a means of self-protection or to garner respect from their peers. Addressing this issue requires efforts to alleviate the pervasive fear of crime among young people and provide them with alternative strategies to build self-esteem. Consequently, the root cause of knife

crime extends beyond mere youth-related concerns, suggesting a need for a more nuanced examination of the challenges faced by black men in society.

Many people would link gang violence with knife attacks, as gang feuds are very popularly heard of, especially in areas of London such as the South and the Northwest. However, recently it has been seen that knife violence could also be as a result of a lack of control of anger and violent reaction to small disagreements.

This can be seen quite recently, in the upsetting and shocking case of Elianne Andam. The death of 15-year-old Elianne Andam in Croydon, south London, on 27 September further sparked discussions regarding the mental state of young men and their desensitisation to violent crimes inflicted on innocent people. Elianne met two friends, including one who had allegedly just ended a relationship with the suspect, and Elianne had allegedly intervened in a heated row between them both. In what was a pre-arranged meeting with a boy, Elianne had taken a bag with her friend's belongings off the knifeman. The defendant then gave chase before stabbing the 15-year-old in the neck. The violent crime as a result of the rejection of a gift makes the issue of knife crime even more upsetting, as it is seemingly no longer an issue between gang feuds; murder is now seen as a reasonable solution.

PSYCHOLOGICAL FACTORS OF KNIFE CRIME

Knife crime can also be influenced by psychological factors. One key factor is often socio-economic conditions, where individuals facing poverty, lack of opportunities, and social exclusion may turn to knife crime as a means of asserting control or gaining a sense of power. Additionally, peer pressure and a desire for acceptance among certain groups can contribute to violent reactions to simple misunderstandings and arguments. Psychological issues such as impulse control, and anger management problems, In some cases, individuals might resort to knife crime as a result of feeling marginalised or experiencing a sense of hopelessness.

The availability of weapons and the normalisation of violence leads to an increase in senseless knife crime incidents. In Elianne's case, the impact on her family and community underscores the need for targeted mental health support, community engagement, and educational initiatives to address the underlying psychological issues contributing to knife crime. We need plans that include both stopping problems before they start and dealing with them once they occur., with a focus on fostering a sense of belonging, providing positive role models, and addressing the emotional well-being of individuals at risk.

MEDIA, MUSIC AND ROLE MODELS

Media, music, and role models in UK society can influence knife crime through various channels. Media often plays a role in shaping perceptions and attitudes, potentially glamorising or sensationalising violent behaviours. Certain music genres, such as drill or trap music, which is mainly listened to by teenage boys contribute to a culture that normalises violence, influencing susceptible individuals. Drill music typically involves the artists aggressively rapping about drugs, gang activity and knife violence Serious concerns have been raised that drill music causes violence through the use of lyrics and imagery which glorify gang crime and violence. It is commonly asserted that drill content often contains specific references to individuals and groups in a way that causes violent acts. Role models, including drill and rap artists such as the famous hip-hop group D-Block Europe, significantly impact societal values through their broadcasting of gang activity. If influential figures endorse or appear indifferent to violence, it can affect the behaviour of their followers. To address this, promoting responsible media representation, fostering positive role models, and encouraging artists to use their platforms responsibly can contribute to mitigating the impact of these cultural factors on knife crime

AS A SOCIETY, HOW CAN WE MOVE TO DECREASE THE CASES OF KNIFE CRIME?

Addressing the root causes of these psychological factors, along with implementing preventive measures and community support, is crucial for developing effective strategies to reduce knife crime.

Reducing knife crime requires a comprehensive, multi-faceted approach involving various stakeholders. Here are several strategies society can consider:

1. Education and Awareness:

Implement educational initiatives to raise awareness about the consequences of knife crime, emphasising conflict resolution and non-violent communication skills.

2. Mental Health Support:

Invest in mental health services to address underlying psychological issue and provide support for at-risk individuals.

3. Youth Programs:

WE NEED TO BRING BACK YOUTH CLUBS!!!

Develop and support positive extracurricular activities for young people, offering alternatives to involvement in criminal activities.

4. Policing Strategies:

Collaborate with law enforcement to implement effective policing strategies, focusing on intelligence-led operations and community policing.

Young people need to start seeing the police as a safe place instead of the enemy.

The police need to communicate and involve themselves in communities where knife crime is more common without unwarranted arrests based on racial profiling and create a relationship with citizens that makes them more trustworthy.

5. Legislation and Enforcement:

Enforce strict laws regarding the possession and use of knives, while simultaneously addressing systemic issues that contribute to crime.

6. Role Models:

Promote positive role models in media, sports, and entertainment to influence behaviour and provide inspiration for young individuals.

7. School Interventions:

Implement school-based programs that address conflict resolution, promote positive behaviour, and identify early signs of potential issues.

8. Employment Opportunities:

Work towards creating job opportunities and vocational training programs, particularly in economically disadvantaged areas, to reduce the appeal of criminal activities.

9. Media Responsibility:

Encourage responsible media reporting and representation to avoid glamorising violence and criminal behaviour.

By combining these efforts, society can work towards creating a safer environment, addressing the root causes of knife crime, and offering support and alternatives for those at risk.

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