Young people, knives and guns (summary)

Described as 'essential reading' by The Guardian, this briefing explores the evidence for effective strategies to tackle knife and gun carrying by young people.

With young people's involvement in 'gun' or 'knife crime' at the forefront of public attention, many practitioners are being asked to work on interventions in this field. But what is the evidence base as to what works in 'anti-knives' and 'anti-guns' strategies targeted at young people? What does research tell us about their impact on young people's perceptions, attitudes and behaviour?

This briefing draws on more detailed reseach funded by the office of the Children's Commissioner for England, which the Centre published in June 2009.