In order to learn about how to handle risk and enjoy outdoor adventures that their parents and grandparents experienced, the adventurer and survival expert feels that children as young as six should be given knives.

The belief goes along with the idea that too many children are wrapped up in cotton wool, in a risk averse environment, which is poor preparation for life. His own son was given a sharp knife and did cut himself quite badly, but hasn’t cut himself again as he has learnt how to handle it properly. It might not be the approach for every parent but Grylls insisted that if you negate all risk in children’s lives then you are actually doing them a disservice. It would be better to teach them about risk, so that something dangerous can be accomplished, but safely.

The chief scout beliefs that practical skills, like lighting a fire, or building a raft are just as important as subjects such as mathematics. Going back in time there probably wasn’t a six year old in the country who couldn’t start a fire with a knife and a flint, so these type of skills are still import. There has to be a balance, as you don’t want serious injuries to be happening, but you have to let kids have the odd scrape and bruise, after all it’s all part of growing up and the adventurous part of being a child.

He adds that sometimes you have to fail at things, but you have to keep trying and take a few risks if you are going to achieve anything. Surprisingly he is backed up by England’s Chief Medical Officer, who thinks that by exposing young people to different challenges, we strengthen their ability to act effectively.

It won’t be the case for every six year old just to be given a knife, but in principal I understand what he is saying, but for some, maybe the first step would be to dress the part and what better way then looking at the Bear Grylls t-shirts that have just arrived in stock, but won’t be around for long.