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Updated 30 July 2004, 19.22 
In a recent survey, one in four children aged between 11 and 16 admitted to carrying a weapon - including a knife.
Now the government is considering making it as serious an offence as carrying a gun - which means more than five years in prison.
So how big an issue are knives where you live, or at your school?
Perhaps you carry a knife yourself. If so, let us know why.
And what do you think about the government's new plans to tackle the problem?
Whatever your views, e-mail and let us know.
Unfortunately this topic is now closed but there are Comments pages on other subjects on the main Chat index.
 I think knives should never be taken into schools, Even if it's for self-defence. They can do damage for life to the person and also to yourself. Richard, 14, Hereford
People say it's for defence...well if no one carried knives you wouldn't need one for defence! Laura, 14, Southampton
I think carrying knives is really dangerous in the hands of the wrong people. I don't think knives should be taken that easily because you really don't know what type of people there are in this world. Wai Yin, 14, Kent
I don't believe that 1 in 4 children carry knives. Me, my older brother and my mates don't know anyone carrying knives. David, 14, Chessington
Knives are dangerous things and should only be used for what they are made for. If anyone is found with a knife in a public place it should be treated like a gun. Naomi, 11, Kent
I was threatened with a knife and I think that the law should be changed and kids should think about what they are doing to other pupils. Becky, 12, Bristol
David Blunkett said that people now carry knives instead of guns as gun laws are so strict. If laws are just as strict for knives, people may decide that they may as well carry a gun instead, which is more dangerous. Ben, 12, Sittingbourne
I think the new law about knives will not make a difference because some teenagers think it is cool to carry a weapon in school. Colin, 10, Kinross
I think that knives are very dangerous to carry around, and should be treated the same as a gun. I would feel quite threatened if I knew that someone was carrying a knife in my school. However I do believe that we should have something to protect ourselves from anyone. Not necessarily in school but if we walk home from school or something, just in case. Rebecca, 14, Norwich
I don't carry a knife - don't know anyone who does, but I think it's pointless to. There's a danger of being 'found out', and there is a jail sentence if you kill. They are wrong, and apart from kitchen use and so on, they should be banned. Andrew, 14, Glasgow
I think the government should make it as serious an offence as carrying a gun because you're not allowed to bring them into Britain from other countries. Kelly, 11, Edinburgh
Why would you take a knife around anyway. For a start you could get arrested, second, apart from killing why would you bring a knife around? Luc, 9, Newark
Knives are just as deadly as guns which means people will die like people who have been shot. Josh, 12, Norwich
I agree that carrying a knife should be a serious offence because people will use the knife if it's there, if it's not there then they won't be tempted to use it. Jennyfer, 13, Huddersfield
It is totally wrong. It has been proved what the consequences could be. A definite ban should be put in order unless these knives are needed for work etc. Sharley, 13, Cumbria
Knives are as much of a weapon as guns... however people are used to knives. I mean I have hundreds of very sharp meat knives in my kitchen and I don't worry... if I had hundreds of guns in my kitchen I think I would. David, 13, Bedford
I think you should be jailed for 5 years if you are found carrying a knife like the law is for guns. Knives can be used in murders and so banning shops selling knives might decrease numbers of murders. Zoe, 13, Dundee
My friend carried a knife when he was being bullied. Teachers couldn't stop it and he was so scared of them he wanted to scare them off. He didn't hurt anybody in the end though. Haz, 14, Wales
I think guns are the weapons you have in action movies and knives are the real life thing. It's a growing problem and I really agree with the government on this one. Abigail, 10, Kingston
I don't like the idea of carrying a knife because it's very easy to threaten someone's life as if you want them to do something when they don't want to. Jim, 14, Yarm
I don't actually see any point in carrying knives because you can get yourself in trouble with police and school. In my area people carry knives for safety but that's not safe at all. Mahamud, 14, Watford
I think knives are very dangerous and that if you go in public places people should be checked for weapons. Ibrahim, 14, Wandsworth Town
I don't think people should be allowed to carry knives because they are dangerous! They can also do the same thing as guns! Amaan, 10, Cardiff
Carrying knives is very dangerous and can really harm someone whether meant or not! Amy, 14, Nottinghamshire
Knives can be just as dangerous as guns so I think carrying one should be treated the same as carrying a gun. Tom, 13, Bolton
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Do you feel safe at school?
