 Police officers in Ringwood have been visiting local school children to raise awareness about the dangers of carrying weapons.
PC Keith Waller has been making regular visits to Ringwood School to run educational workshops for pupils aged 11 – 18. The sessions aim to challenge young people’s perceptions of weapons and violence and use real life examples to demonstrate the harsh reality of what carrying a knife can lead to – even when it is just for self defence.
The children were shown a variety of weapons, some that were obvious and others which were every day objects which had been adapted to make them dangerous. They also learnt what they should do if they come across someone else who is carrying a weapon.
PC Waller’s visits are part of the ‘Be Safe’ weapons awareness programme which is endorsed by the Home Office and has been introduced at schools all around the UK.
While knife crime is extremely rare in the New Forest area, government research suggests that more than 30% of youngsters in the UK carry a knife. Officers from the Ringwood Safer Neighbourhoods team are working hard to ensure that all local children have been educated about weapons so that they are well aware of the consequences of choosing to carry one.
PC Keith Waller, from Ringwood Safer Neighbourhoods team, said:
“These interactive sessions are designed to leave the children with a clear message they will remember: knives cost lives. We don’t want to alarm any of them but we hope this will discourage them from choosing to carry a weapon now or anytime in the future and to report anyone else who does.”
Sally Laurilla, course leader for ethics and philosophy and coordinator of life choices classes at Ringwood School, said:
“The ‘Be Safe’ weapons awareness programme has now been delivered successfully to the whole school. It has undoubtedly provided our young people with a firm grasp of the real dangers of carrying and using weapons or getting involved in violence, without glamorising or painting a macho image. The presentations have been really well received and as a result stimulated follow-up discussion in many life choices lessons.”
|
