Youth workers say cuts to early-intervention services, the closure of youth centres and an increase in school exclusions have all contributed to the rise in violence among young people.
Police point to county lines gangs exploiting teenagers. Mental health specialists highlight the impact of trauma, poverty and social media disputes on platforms like TikTok, Instagram and Snapchat.
They also say no single factor explains it. But all agree it is complex, entrenched, and still costing young lives.
Analysts, police officers, teachers and youth workers have identified a series of interconnected pressures.
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Deprivation and inequality: Many of the areas hardest hit by knife violence also face the highest levels of poverty, unemployment, and overcrowded housing
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Cuts to youth services: Hundreds of youth clubs have closed since 2010. The loss of these safe spaces has left young people with fewer alternatives to the streets
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School exclusions: Research shows children excluded from school are more vulnerable to grooming by gangs and criminal networks
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Social media escalation: Arguments that once ended in the playground now escalate online, spreading rapidly and sometimes ending in street violence
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County lines exploitation: Teenagers are groomed to transport drugs across the UK — often under threat
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Trauma and mental health: Childhood violence, instability, poverty and stress can lead to impulsive behaviour, anger, and vulnerability
Community leaders say tackling knife crime requires more than policing — it demands investment, compassion, and prevention.
As part of the 25th anniversary on Thursday, community leaders, educators and parents will call for a renewed national strategy to prevent youth violence.
Many have echoed the same message: invest in early intervention, rebuild youth services, improve mental health access, strengthen collaboration between schools, police and families and give young people opportunities to thrive.
