AIBU to make DS11 watch Corrie episode to be aware of knife crime?

[blackandwhitefur]

As the title I guess. Context to this comes following a lesson at school where there was a talk from specialists to discuss issue of gangs/knife crime etc... My DS said that when they were asked whether they thought it was ok to carry a knife for protection nearly all the children put their hands up, my DS included. We had a long talk after this where I explained why it wasn't. However, I wasn't quite sure whether he fully understood. Months ago I remember he caught me watching a few episodes of Corrie and he was very interested in the Dylan/Liam/Mason bullying storyline. My DS is a very kind child and conscientious when it comes to being kind to others. He really felt sorry for Liam. Haven't watched much since then but wondered if this was a good episode (Mason's death) this week to show to him or would this be too much??

I suspect there are other, much more child-friendly and accessible resources you could use to discuss knife crime with him. I'd look at those. Also depends on whether knife crime is a big issue in your neighbourhood.

YANBU OP - it was a very powerful episode

I don't think it would do any harm, that's what the storylines are for to raise awareness. It was such a sad episode, I've just watched it.

Sadly, our 14yo has stopped watching it with us. He used to enjoy watching with us, and the storylines prompted some genuinely good conversations with him. I'm all for parents naturally talking through such issues with their children however they're prompted - news reports, soap dramas etc. TV and film remains the most popular and accessible way to instigate this (aside from social media of course, which often puts false narratives in the minds of impressionable young people). If your son likes Corrie, then why not? Even though he didn't watch it, it prompted a discussion in our house about zombie knives and the dangers of carrying weapons.

I think you know your child best and will know if it will be too much for him. I thought it was quite hard-hitting and graphic but maybe that's not a bad thing.

Thanks for all your responses and given me a lot to think about. I was definitely thinking about other resources as did wonder whether the episode would be too much for them. My thought process was 'well if the talk at school didn't do it for them, what will?' Will give it a little more thought!

@blackandwhitefur A person I know found a knife hidden in a public place .( London) while working.
He tried to hand it in to police - they wouldn’t take it but said he had to take it to a specific police station.
He did so, even though it made him late for his next appointment.
if kids are carrying things like this , it makes you wonder about the state of youth in our cities-
No decent male role models, broken families, poverty, The finder said in his day ( Londoner) knives were unheard of- It’s a relatively new phenomenon.

I haven't watched British soaps in years but used to watch East Enders with my step kids as a way to talk about different issues. The storylines seem to have gone a bit mad since then, but I still think soaps are a good way to connect with teenagers.

Shocking isn't it. We are in London so I do worry about this. I know there are stabbing in other areas (Bedford today) but it seems more often in London.