Study reveals one percent of Icelandic students carry knives for self-defense or harm

A new study reveals that one percent of elementary and secondary school students in Iceland carry knives for the purpose of inflicting harm or self-defense. Additionally, four to five percent of students report bringing some form of weapon to school, which may include items such as knives, pepper spray, or knuckle dusters. The research, part of the Icelandic Youth Survey conducted by the University of Iceland, for the first time addressed the issue of knife-carrying among students.

The survey indicates that a significant number of students claim to carry pocket knives, which they do not intend to use as weapons. Boys make up the majority of those who bring weapons to school, while the overall group is too small to identify specific trends.

The study highlights considerable variability across different schools regarding substance use and weapon carrying. Experts suggest that parents play a crucial role in addressing this issue and should engage in conversations with their children about the dangers of weapon possession. They emphasize the importance of community collaboration, similar to past efforts to combat alcohol consumption among schoolchildren.

Students express feelings of shock and discomfort knowing that peers may be carrying knives. One student mentioned the distressing nature of living in a seemingly safe country while facing such issues. The general consensus among the youth is that if no one carried knives, there would be no danger, urging parents to take action to prevent this trend.