A top official has urged parents to educate their children on the dangers of wielding sharp objects for show on social media or even in self-defence.
Hidd Police Station head Colonel Dr Osama Bahar yesterday stated that young Bahrainis could ruin their lives if they carry knives, as the temptation to use one in a fight could result in a prison sentence.
Speaking on the Interior Ministry’s Al Aman social media programme, Col Dr Bahar stated that youngsters have no need to carry items of violence in Bahrain.
“As a parent, you should not stay silent if you see a sharp object such as a knife in your child’s possession, whether it is for a photograph, or to keep in his pocket,” he said.
“This behaviour is not a widespread phenomenon in Bahrain, but as a parent, you must fulfil your role properly.
“Do not encourage anyone to own or possess potentially dangerous or harmful items. Do not give them the false assumption that they can keep them as a precaution and that they might need them for self-defence.
“Bahrain is safe and will remain so, but why allow a child or teenager to have these things?
“Can you guarantee they won’t ruin their lives in a fit of anger or adolescent recklessness, or that they won’t use these items in a fight?”
Experts recommend keeping sharp objects well away from children of all ages to prevent accidental injuries.
Toddlers explore their world by touching and putting things in their mouths. They do not understand danger and may hurt themselves or others.
Knives, scissors and blades can easily slice through skin, while even pointed items like needles, pins, or forks can cause deep tissue damage if stepped on.
Deep cuts from dirty or rusty tools can lead to painful medical procedures, stitches and severe infections.
As for teenagers, studies show that carrying a weapon can make them feel overly confident, leading them to enter dangerous situations they would otherwise avoid.
Pulling out a sharp object usually provokes an opponent to use greater force or draw a more dangerous weapon.
Under the Bahrain Penal Code, introducing a knife into a fight or using one in an assault could result in prison time. An assailant could be sentenced to three to five years for causing a non-fatal wound, 10 years for premeditated assault, and potentially life imprisonment if it results in death.
Col Dr Bahar stated that most of this comes down to education or lack thereof from parents.
“Unfortunately, some parents support the idea of getting ready for fights, using physical force and carrying dangerous items under the guise of potentially needing them someday,” he said.
“The father doesn’t realise that on the day his son uses the knife, the family will likely lose him and will be forced to visit him in prison because they did not properly fulfil their role as parents and educators.
“False labels such as strength and reputation cannot be justified in this case.
“Bahrain is a peaceful society, a society that loves tranquility and serenity.
“An issue like this harms society as a whole. Therefore it is imperative to remove any violent thoughts from their minds, and if you see a sharp object in a teenager’s hand, pocket, or car, then you should act immediately.”
The issue is a major concern in Western societies. The British government and agencies have been working tirelessly to improve the situation but the figures remain staggeringly high, despite falling in recent months. Police-recorded knife or sharp instrument offences in London, for example, fell to approximately 13,850 in 2025/26, down from 16,340 in the previous year.
nader@gdnmedia.bh
&uuid=(email))