This report published by the Youth Endowment Fund presents survey evidence on how common violence is among 13- to 17-year-olds in England and Wales - covering how many experience or witness different types of violence (including online), the overlap between victimisation and perpetration, and factors like weapon carrying and harmful online content.
Details
Slightly fewer children have been affected by violence in 2025 compared to 2024: 50% of children witnessed violence in 2025 (55% in 2024), 18% were direct victims of violence (20% in 2024) and 13% perpetrated violence (16% in 2024). 70% of children in both 2024 and 2025 had seen violent content on social media, including fights involving young people, threats to young people and the promotion or use of weapons. 82% had witnessed online conversations about harming specific groups based on their personal characteristics, including migration status, skin colour or ethnicity, and gender identity.
The correlation between victimisation and perpetration of violence in children overlaps substantially. The report details that 39% of victims of violence had themselves carried out some kind of violence and, conversely, 53% of perpetrators had also been victims. This was amplified in instances where violence had led to the requirement of medical treatment: 49% of victims who needed medical treatment after their victimisation had previously perpetrated violence and 77% of perpetrators whose actions caused another to require medical treatment had been victims.
An additional factor in victimisation is weapons. 77% of children carrying a weapon (including, but not limited to, knives, guns and blunt hitting implements) in the past year were victims of violence making them five times more likely than their peers to be directly affected by violence. Repeat victimisation is also 14 times more likely among weapons carriers than non-carriers.
Commentary
For practitioners, data suggests that many children are being exposed to violent and harmful content online, and some are drawn into online discussions about violence. By way of example, 15% of children surveyed reported taking part in online discussions about harming migrants in the UK based on their status. Children who are involved in violence offline are more likely to encounter and engage with harmful online content, underlining the importance of safeguarding-focused responses. Supporting children to understand social media, alongside social and emotional skills-building, can help them develop critical thinking, empathy, and the ability to respond safely and constructively to divisive or provocative material.
Evidence also shows that children are best supported away from the criminal justice system wherever possible. Mentoring, sports-based programmes, and therapeutic interventions - including cognitive behavioural and trauma-informed support - can reduce harm and support positive development. In particular, children arrested for the first time are 30% less likely to reoffend when they are diverted through informal, pre-court schemes rather than prosecuted, demonstrating the effectiveness of early, proportionate, and child-centred intervention.