Children exploit online platforms to trade knives, minister warns
Alarming Rise in Online Knife Trade Among Young People
Policing and Crime Minister Sarah Jones has expressed grave concern over children engaging in the online trade of knives, drawing parallels to how they might typically exchange clothing. Speaking at the launch of the National Knife Crime Centre (NKCC) in Bloomsbury, central London, Ms Jones recounted discussions revealing that children as young as 12 are participating in this illicit market.
Among those present was Nikita Kanda, whose 16-year-old brother, Ronan, was tragically killed in 2022 with a 'ninja sword' purchased online. Ms Kanda emphasised the critical need to tackle the online sale of offensive weapons to teenagers, asserting that these items are being used to "enable, inflict and escalate violence".
Government Response and New Legislation
Ms Jones underscored the "devastating" impact of knife crime on exploited young people, noting that criminals are actively encouraging them to profit within this illegal landscape. The government is currently reviewing responses to a consultation regarding a potential licensing system for sellers and importers of bladed articles, aiming to halve knife crime within the next decade.
The new government-funded NKCC is designed to assist police forces in identifying and tackling offenders involved in the online 'grey market' for offensive weapons. While acknowledging the legitimate uses of knives, such as in martial arts, Ms Jones stressed the imperative to stop illegal sales and prevent harm. The forthcoming Crime and Policing Bill is also expected to strengthen crackdowns on knife crime and other societal issues.
Ms Kanda further suggested that individuals purchasing knives for legitimate purposes, such as martial arts, should also be licensed to ensure accountability and responsibility for their acquisitions.
