Tough Topics: Youth Violence Prevention Discussion Cards

Developed by Junior Smart OBE, an Expert in Youth Intervention, this set of 20 Scenario Cards, 15 Principles Cards, 6 Prompt Cards and a downloadable Instruction and Guidance Manual is designed to explore complex issues through carefully crafted, age-appropriate situations and equip young people with the skills to make positive choices.Youth violence is a pressing issue affecting schools and communities worldwide.

Educators and youth workers need effective, engaging tools to address this challenge. Introducing Tough Topics – Youth Violence Prevention, a cutting-edge interactive educational programme designed for ages 11 and up.

Why Tough Topics Stands Apart:

• Realistic Scenarios: Engage students with 20 true-to-life situations reflecting challenges they may encounter, such as bullying, peer pressure and gang involvement
• Interactive Discussions: Foster critical thinking and empathy through guided conversations.
• Empowerment Focus: Equip young people skills to make positive choices and become agents of change.
• Flexible Application: Suitable for classroom discussions, advisory sessions, after-school programmes and community initiatives.

Key Features:

1. Founding Principles: Start with 15 core concepts to build a shared understanding of non-violence and respect.
2. Scenario Cards: Explore complex issues through carefully crafted, age-appropriate situations.
3. Prompt Questions: Encourage deep reflection and problem-solving with thought-provoking queries.
4. Comprehensive Guide: Detailed facilitator instructions ensure meaningful, safe discussions.

Learning Outcomes:

Participants will gain:

• Increased awareness of youth violence causes and consequences
• Improved critical thinking and communication skills
• Enhanced empathy and understanding
• Knowledge of prevention strategies and warning signs
• Sense of empowerment to create positive change

Developed by an Expert in Youth Intervention

Tough Topics draws on Junior Smart’s extensive experience as a visionary youth intervention specialist and social entrepreneur. With close to 20 years in the field, Junior has:

• Extensive experience of working with hard-to-reach young people involved in violence, gangs and Child Criminal Exploitation (CCE)
• Consistently devised and implemented intervention strategies for young people and their families across the country
• Influenced national policy as a member of the Home Office Taskforce for Violence
• Received numerous accolades, including an OBE and an Honorary Doctorate in Education from Greenwich University.

Make a Lasting Impact

By investing in Tough Topics, you’re not just providing an engaging learning experience – you’re empowering the next generation to create a culture of peace, respect and non-violence in schools and communities.

Ready to transform the conversation around youth violence? Behind every case, every challenge, and every tough conversation is a young person with their own story, their own struggles, and their own potential.

Testimonial

“The resource worked really well! It got students talking, even the ones who are usually quiet. They were fully engaged, offering opinions and saying how relevant the topics were to their own lives or what they see around them.

The “4 A’s” in particular sparked some great discussions. It broke things down in a way that helped students really think and reflect on their perspectives. The group was a real mix—some students weren’t at risk of being involved in violence, others were at risk, and a few were already involved in some way. This resource managed to connect with all of them, which was impressive.

Overall, it’s a brilliant resource that really got the students engaged and thinking deeply about these issues. great work!”
– Michael Ross, Marsh Farm Outreach, Luton

About the Author

Junior Smart OBE is a nationally recognised expert with over 20 years of experience in youth violence and conflict intervention. He has worked in the field of youth violence desistence and gangs, is a youth leader and campaigner as well as a qualified trainer and recognised violence intervention specialist. Junior is credited with developing the award-winning SOS and SOS+ projects, both of which harness the value of lived experience and stand as the UK’s largest ex-offender-led exit and prevention programmes.

Junior’s main focus continues to centre on violence desistance in all its forms and he regularly designs new projects. He feeds into public policy through the Public Policy Exchange and the Centre for Social Justice. Junior also consults with the Met Police as well as other statutory bodies on best practice.