On the other hand ...
As a father of an 11 year old and a 12 year old, both of which have handled knives for a long time and each own several. Both my kids know VERY well that they simply can't take a knife to school and that if they did there would be severe penalties.
This isn't just school policy, but the law. I teach my children to respect the law ... wether we agree or not.
Taking a steak knife to school was a stupid move.
Ken