Mr Patsy McGlone (Mid Ulster): To ask the Minister of Education to detail any steps his Department is taking to work with schools and youth organisations, to improve educational programmes on the risks of knife crime.
Minister of Education: My Department does not currently provide a specific educational programme focused solely on knife crime.
Schools and youth organisations are able to access a wide range of programmes that cover a range of safeguarding, personal development and wellbeing matters. These programmes can also assist children and young people to understand and manage risks, make safe choices, and protect themselves from harm.
The Education Authority Youth Service has advised that where knife crime is identified as an assessed need, the Youth Service responds through its universal provision by incorporating appropriate early-intervention and preventative education. This may include collaboration with partner organisations, including the Police Service of Northern Ireland and local Policing and Community Safety Partnerships.
ENDS
