A recent survey conducted by the Youth Endowment Fund (YEF) indicates that one-fifth of children have missed school due to fear of violence in the past year. The study, involving over 7,500
children, reveals that 16% of those aged 13-17 have experienced violence personally.
Knife crime and violence emerged as the top concerns among young people, according to the Children's Commissioner, who stated that it is the most frequently raised issue in her conversations with children. The government acknowledges the gravity of the situation and asserts that targeted support is being provided to areas with high levels of violence.
Jibril Rose, a 19-year-old from London, shared his experience, emphasizing the need to rebuild trust between young people and authorities like the police. Growing up in an area with a prevalent gang culture, he navigated specific routes to avoid potential danger on his way home.
The YEF, established in 2019 with a £200m Home Office endowment to address youth violence, emphasizes understanding the experiences of young individuals like Jibril Rose. Jon Yates, the executive director of YEF, highlights the importance of adults comprehending the challenges faced by children in the country.
The survey, conducted online in collaboration with survey provider Walr, found that 20% of respondents had skipped school at some point in the last year due to feeling unsafe. Of the total participants, 16% reported being victims of violence, defined as "the use of force or threat of force against another person or people."
Dame Rachel de Souza, the Children's Commissioner, emphasized the impact of social media on children, stating that many young individuals aged 8-13 are exposed to violence on social media platforms. The YEF incorporates direct feedback from young people, including members like Jibril Rose and Ajada Bridges-Matthew, to inform its decisions.
The survey also revealed that almost half of those who reported being victims of violence had also perpetrated it. Mr. Yates emphasizes the importance of recognizing that these are children, not adults, and addressing the underlying traumatic experiences.
While social media is seen as a factor contributing to the spread of violence, Chief Constable Catherine Roper highlights the significance of building relationships with young people in community policing. The National Police Chiefs' Council is collaborating with YEF on a study evaluating the use of police in schools.
A government spokesperson emphasized the commitment to children's safety, mentioning the impact of Violence Reduction Units and interventions in schools. Funding for alternative provision and taskforces in areas with serious violence aims to support at-risk pupils and keep them engaged in education. Photo by NoahOmarY, Wikimedia commons.