New Study Reveals the Impact of Virtual Reality on Young People’s Attitudes Towards Knife Crime
London, United Kingdom – Tuesday 11 November, 2025 – Cornerstone VR, a leading provider of immersive virtual reality (VR) learning and intervention tools, has released new survey findings that showcase the powerful impact of its Knife Crime and Serious Youth Violence Film Series on young people’s understanding, attitudes, and decision-making surrounding knife carrying.
The findings come after focus groups were conducted with young people aged 14-18, revealing that immersive VR experiences can be a transformative tool in safeguarding education. According to the study, eight out of ten participants were deterred from carrying knives after watching the VR films.
The survey found that after experiencing Cornerstone VR’s films, 83% of young people said they were deterred from carrying a knife in the future. Additionally, 75% said their perspective on knife carrying had changed, and 83% gained a better understanding of the risks and consequences of knife carrying. All participants (100%) said they would actively dissuade a friend from carrying a knife, and 92% said they felt more motivated to make safe choices for themselves.
The VR experience received positive feedback from all participants (100%), with many stating that it should be shown to more young people. They also rated the VR as more engaging than traditional learning methods. One participant described the VR films as “a very educational piece,” while another said it “gave me a better idea of what it could be like getting stabbed.” A third participant reflected that it “influenced me not to carry a knife.”
Prior to the intervention, 83% of respondents said they knew someone who had carried a knife, while 75% expressed concern about knife crime in their communities. Protection and self-defence were cited as the most common motivations for knife carrying, followed by peer pressure, status, and fear.
In partnership with Thurrock Council, Enfield Council, and insights from a range of professionals across the UK, including police officers, councils, schools, youth justice services, and young people themselves, the film series presents scenarios ranging from a knife-point robbery to the devastating aftermath of a stabbing.
The Knife Crime and Serious Youth Violence Film Series is part of Cornerstone VR’s library of over 60 immersive experiences covering critical safeguarding and wellbeing issues, including abuse, neglect, exploitation, youth violence, and the influence of social media. These sessions can be delivered to professionals for trauma-informed training or directly to young people in schools and community settings.
Serena Hadi, Head of Operations and Practice at Cornerstone VR, said, “Knife crime continues to devastate families and communities across the UK. Our findings show that immersive VR can change perspectives, challenge harmful narratives, and empower young people to make safer choices. We are proud to provide educators and practitioners with a tool that not only informs but also inspires behavioural change.”
Safeguarding teams can arrange a free demo of the programme by visiting www.cornerstonevr.co.uk/arrange-demo.
About Cornerstone VR
Cornerstone VR is an award-winning, virtual reality-based learning and intervention platform that helps professionals and young people better understand, prevent, and respond to real-world challenges.
Media Contact
Stacey Cox / Corinna Leaning
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info@cornerstonevr.co.uk
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.