In the wake of a tragic incident in late April, where a 15-year-old high school student was killed in a stabbing attack in Nantes, French Parliament member Naïma Moutchou has been charged with creating a report on bladed weapons . Commissioned by Prime Minister François Bayrou , Moutchou’s findings indicate that the possession of bladed weapons by minors has become a prevalent issue across France.
There is indeed a trend among the youth towards armed violence .
The report, submitted on May 28, 2025, reveals that the presence of knives among students is now a disturbing reality . Moutchou stated, “We cannot accept that schoolchildren have knives in their backpacks or pockets.”
3,000 Youths Arrested Annually
Since 2016, around 20% of those apprehended carrying a weapon are minors, amounting to approximately 3,000 young people every year. Moutchou elaborated during her appearance on RMC-BMFTV , emphasizing that “today, any area is affected.”
Importantly, there is no single profile among these youths. Moutchou noted that some carry knives for self-defense against harassment, while others are involved in gang-related altercations or suffer from psychological vulnerabilities.
Zombie Knives are Making Their Way to France
Among the types of knives gaining traction are “ zombie knives .” Moutchou brought attention to these particular weapons, showcasing a photo, and described them as having blades on both sides, stating, “This is not designed for spreading butter.”
You can find them online for around 20 euros .
She emphasized, “This is a weapon intended to kill, to harm, to intimidate—nothing else.” Citing a concerning trend in the United Kingdom , she expressed fears that this phenomenon could escalate within France, stating, “We certainly don’t want this to take hold.”
Should They be Banned?
In her report, Moutchou proposed classifying these knives as Category A weapons , rendering them illegal for sale and possession by both minors and adults. She highlighted the ease of access to such weapons, noting, “In 24 to 48 hours, they can be delivered to your home.”
Additional Recommendations to Tackle Bladed Weapons
Alongside her primary recommendations, Moutchou advised implementing mandatory video surveillance at school entrances and within school grounds. “This is one of the measures we advocate for,” she explained. “I believe in the effectiveness of video surveillance; it serves as an additional tool, although it won’t provide complete protection.”
We must not shy away from any means. The situation is too serious. If it can help detect threats and enable quick intervention, we should embrace it.
Moreover, she emphasized the significance of organizing awareness meetings and campaigns with both parents and students. Moutchou proposed stringent controls on the sale of knives to minors, suggesting that retailers should verify buyers’ IDs at the time of purchase and require proof of age upon delivery of online orders. “In short, we should ban extremely dangerous knives and regulate the others,” she concluded.