Police and schools warn parents over ‘school wars’ social media trend inciting children to carry weapons
Police and schools were alerted after posts on social media encouraging children to fight using knives.
The “school wars” trend has sparked a proliferation of posts on platforms such as TikTok and Snapchat that divide schools into red and blue teams and encourage students to fight using bladed weapons.
As part of this trend, at least a dozen accounts encouraging or threatening violence were removed after police were contacted.
It appears that some schools, mostly in London, have written to parents asking them to be wary of this trend. In a letter he saw IndependentA west London school has warned that the craze is causing “serious concern” and urged parents to check their children’s smartphones “to keep our school safe”.
The posts divide schools into “red” and “blue” teams and encourage children to “jump” anyone they see from the opposing team. In one, it was seen Independentchildren are encouraged to “use violence” and use compass points to attack each other.
Others suggest that they will receive video game-style “points” if they “punch an opponent” (opponent) or “stain an opponent.”
A TikTok spokesperson said it was restricting searches related to “red and blue,” saying: Independent This trend is seen on many social media platforms. It is stated in the platform’s community rules that threats, glorification of violence or promotion of crimes that could harm people or property are not allowed.
On Snapchat, it is believed that most people use the app to chat with friends, and the app does not stream unreviewed or unmoderated content.
The trend, which appears to have started in London, now appears to have spread to other parts of the UK, including Bristol.
Charities working to stamp out knife crime have also spoken out about the trend. Charlie’s Promise, the charity set up in memory of Charlie Cosser, the 17-year-old who died after being stabbed three times in the chest at a party, warned: “While some young people may see it as a game or online challenge, the risks are very real.”
The Metropolitan Police said they were aware of the posts and were in “close contact” with schools in the city to “respond sternly” to any reports of disorder. Commander Neerav Patel said in a statement that he wanted to remind young people of the “serious consequences” of carrying weapons and engaging in violence.
He continued: “We are aware that social media posts are circulating and we are in close contact with schools in several London boroughs to provide reassurance.
“Officers will maintain a strong and visible presence around schools and will respond sternly to any reports of violence or disorder.
“We continue to closely monitor online spaces and have worked with platforms to request the deactivation of a dozen social media accounts where threats or violence were planned or encouraged.
“I would like to remind young people of the serious consequences of becoming involved in such matters. Arrest, charge and conviction for violence and carrying weapons can mean imprisonment, which can have a significant long-term impact on future opportunities.”
Chief neighborhood inspector Keith Smith, of Avon and Somerset Police, said they were “monitoring the situation extremely closely” and there was no evidence of incidents linked to the trend in the area.
“We have seen a number of posts linking this national trend to schools in Bristol and South Gloucestershire. Whilst this is causing concern in our communities we are monitoring the situation extremely closely. At this stage there is no evidence to suggest that any incidents that could be linked to this trend have occurred in the Avon and Somerset area.”
“Over the next few days we will be increasing our presence in various areas, including reassurance patrols at schools listed in social media posts, and contingency plans will also be in place should we need them.
“We take this matter extremely seriously, working with partners and other relevant parties to conduct intelligence checks and any incidents reported to us will be investigated accordingly.
“This trend is not linked to any ongoing investigation, but we would urge anyone with concerns to contact us immediately or call 999 if a crime is in progress.”
