Today (Wednesday 29 January), a fresh movement to make teenage boys think twice about carrying a knife is launching across South Yorkshire.

Knives Take Lives aims to change the behaviour of teenagers in South Yorkshire who may be starting to think about carrying a knife.

Research shows boys in their teens who carry knives do so for their own perceived protection, or for social status among their friends. Today we are asking them: ‘Will carrying a knife really protect you – or will it destroy your life?’

Here in South Yorkshire, we have unfortunately seen first-hand the devastating impact knife crime can bring to families, friends and our local communities. Our region is the fourth highest in the country for knife crime offences, both by volume and rate per 100,000 population. In 2024, five people in the county tragically lost their lives as a result of being stabbed. This is not acceptable and together we must make a change.

We know that anyone can become a victim of knife crime, but a disproportionate number of those caught carrying a bladed article are teenaged boys. The campaign’s target audience is boys aged 11 to 14, who may be starting to feel pressure to carry a knife.