ENGLAND - January 21, 2008 - In a bid to reduce the recent rise in knife attacks among Britain's youth, the UK's government is to introduce airport style metal detectors in schools. According to reports the number of under-18 year olds convicted or cautioned for carrying a knife rose by 37% between 2003 and 2006.

Britain's Home Secretary Jaqui Smith: "It's a good idea if we look at the ways in which in some schools it might be appropriate to use search arches, because I want young people to know that it doesn't make them safer to carry a knife: it actually makes them more likely to be a victim."

The measure is included in a government plan to be announced next month to deal with violent behavior. Currently portable metal detectors are used in places such as shopping centers and government buildings.

Teachers unions have welcome the idea but stressed it would only be appropriate for a small number of inner city schools.