My Friend Carries a Knife
What is happening?
Finding out that someone close to you carries a knife puts you in a difficult position. You care about them. You do not want to get them in trouble. But you also know that carrying a knife puts them — and potentially you — at serious risk.
What may be underneath it?
Your friend is probably carrying because they are frightened, not because they want to hurt anyone. That does not make it less dangerous. Knives escalate situations. They change what happens when things go wrong. The risk is not just to the person carrying.
What makes things worse?
Saying nothing because you do not want to be seen as a grass. Pretending you do not know. Going along with it because it feels easier. These are all understandable — and they all leave your friend in danger.
What can help?
You do not have to report your friend to the police. But you can talk to them honestly. Tell them you are worried. Tell them what you know about what carrying actually does to situations. If you are genuinely worried about their safety, there are people you can talk to confidentially.
What happens next?
If you are worried about a friend and do not know what to do, RAP Academy can help. You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously if you believe someone is in immediate danger.
Questions to think about
- 1.Why do you think your friend is carrying?
- 2.Have you talked to them about it?
- 3.What are you afraid will happen if you say something?
- 4.What are you afraid will happen if you say nothing?
- 5.Is there a trusted adult you could talk to about this?