KNIFE CARRYING WARNING SIGNS

You know your teen better than anyone. Parents and caregivers play a crucial role in identifying signs of weapon carrying among their children. Here are some tips and advice on recognising warning signs:

• They have withdrawn from family and/or school.

• They have lost interest in their favourite hobbies, like playing sports.

• They are secretive about the contents of their bag. Be alert to unfamiliar items that could be used as weapons.

• They develop aggressive or violent behaviour in person or on social media.

• Be aware of changes in clothing style, such as wearing bulkier clothing or any form of face covering.

• They stay out unusually late without a reason and are vague about their whereabouts.

• They seem defensive, uncommunicative, unusually secretive, or isolate themselves.

• You notice knives missing from the kitchen, toolbox, or garage.

• You notice worrying changes in behaviour, achievement, or attendance at school.

• They have stopped seeing old friends and started hanging out with a new group.

• You notice their attitude changes around the idea of carrying weapons, or they develop an interest in weapons.

• You have found a weapon hidden amongst their belongings.

Recognising any of these warning signs does not mean that your child MUST be carrying a knife. It may, however, be worth having a conversation with them if you are concerned.