Ammanford stabbing victim Liz Hopkin criticises knife crime plan for schools
BBC World
February 20, 2026
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A teacher who was stabbed by a student in April 2024 has spoken out against the Welsh government’s plan to arm school staff with handheld scanners to combat knife crime. Liz Hopkin, who worked at Ysgol Dyffryn Aman in Carmarthenshire, believes that teachers are not equipped or trained to act as security guards. She argues that the focus should be on preventing violence before it occurs, rather than detecting weapons once they’re already inside schools. Hopkin emphasizes that shifting responsibility onto schools for tasks like searching students for knives could erode trust between pupils and staff, potentially escalating tensions.
The incident that left Hopkin seriously injured occurred during a school break when she was attacked by a 13-year-old student who had previously been found with a knife. Hopkin highlights the emotional and psychological factors driving children to carry weapons, often due to fear or exposure to harmful social media content. She stresses the need for earlier intervention through improved access to mental health services, youth support programs, and resources to address underlying issues in schools and communities.
The Welsh government has defended its approach as part of a broader strategy to improve school safety. It emphasizes that the initiative includes training, strategies, and information sharing to prevent violence, rather than solely relying on scanners or security measures. The government also clarifies that decisions about implementing such tools would remain with local authorities. Hopkin’s concerns align with growing debates over how schools should balance safety with fostering trusting relationships between students and staff.
Hopkin’s criticism comes amid rising concerns about knife crime in schools across the UK, particularly in rural areas like Wales, where incidents are often perceived as less likely but still occur. Her comments highlight the broader societal challenges, including budget constraints that limit access to mental health services and youth programs. Addressing these issues, Hopkin argues, is crucial for creating safer environments for
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Originally published on BBC World on 2/20/2026