Video game to teach children the dangers of knife crime

A new interactive video game has been created to teach school pupils the dangers of knife crime and to encourage them to “stand up, speak out and get help” if a friend or someone they know is carrying a blade.

The ‘choose your own adventure’ from No Knives, Better Lives (NKBL) is based on the programme’s Nae Danger bystander guide.

It follows a group of friends as they face different situations involving knife carrying. It invites young people to shape key moments where their decisions can take several different directions, some with grave outcomes.

The free game will be delivered primarily in secondary schools and youth clubs across Scotland, supported by local facilitators. More than 23 local authorities have already signed up to the facilitator training.

Justice secretary Humza Yousaf said: “Young people are at the heart of what No Knives, Better Lives do and none more so than their Nae Danger Game, which has been co-designed by young people, using their opinions and experiences of knife crime.

“This is an exciting and innovative way to encourage young people to highlight and talk about the consequences of carrying a knife.

“Although levels of knife crime have fallen drastically over the last decade, we cannot be complacent. That is why I am delighted to see this game launched and I am sure it will play an important part in further reducing handling of offensive weapons, and specifically knife crime among young people.”

Gary McCartan, chief executive officer at Pocket Sized Hands, added: “For many of us, knife crime won’t be an issue that affects us directly. But for some, carrying a knife may be their only perception of how they can stay safe.

“In designing this game, we wanted to tackle some of the misconceptions around knife crime and give young people an opportunity to discuss knife crime prevention in a safe and non-judgemental environment.

“It’s has been a great pleasure working alongside the team at YouthLink Scotland as well as the young adults at Youth Just Us, getting to hear their stories and thoughts on what would make this a great game and get people talking about knife crime prevention.”

For more information on No Knives, Better Lives, click here.