Children in North Yorks learn about potentially devastating consequence of one punch attack
Sessions are being delivered in schools to warn pupils about what can happen
Children in North Yorkshire are being taught about the devastating consequences of a one punch attack.
Assemblies are being delivered to pupils urging them to "stop, think and walk away".
Martin Powell is a school liaison officer who tells us more about the message they're trying to get across: "We reiterate that it is very rare that something like this happens but we just want to raise the awareness about what can happen when things go wrong, in terms of if there is a fight, that punch, it's more of the impact of the person hitting the floor than the actual punch."
"They are growing, they are getting stronger and they might not realise the impact that their punch or their push could have on somebody. It's just to make them aware that as you get older you are getting stronger but you need to be responsible for your behaviour and make sure that things don't get out of hand."
"Pupils are often not aware of the impact that one punch can have so for me, that's really important that we can raise that awareness. The feedback we get from teachers, from pupils, from parents is really positive."
The work follows a wider campaign by North Yorkshire police to raise awareness of one punch attacks in bars, pubs and clubs.
Detective Chief Inspector Jonathan Sygrove, from North Yorkshire Police’s Major Investigation Team, said:
“The campaign highlights just how dangerous one punch can be. That in a split second someone can become a killer, and someone can be killed or suffer life-changing injuries.
“We want people to enjoy themselves on nights out across North Yorkshire and the City of York, but you must also be responsible for your own actions.
“Consuming too much alcohol and taking illegal drugs can drastically alter your behaviour.
“If you are faced with a potentially violent confrontation, we wholeheartedly echo Maxine’s and the One Punch UK advice to stop, think and walk away.
“By not acting in anger and lashing out, it could well be the best decision you have ever made - for everyone concerned.
“Please remember, just one punch can destroy so many lives. Including your own.”