Messages have appeared referencing boroughs including Hackney, Highgate, Croydon, Tower Hamlets and Redbridge, with more recent posts calling for a wider “London War”
A Government minister has reacted to the social media ‘trend’ encouraging violence among pupils in “school wars”. The social media trend, which splits schools into red and blue sides and encourages pupils to “be violent”, is the “latest example of the wild west environment” on social media platforms, a headteachers’ union has warned.
The posts first began circulating in mid-February, initially targeting secondary schools in Hackney and urging pupils to attack “rival” schools with items such as compasses, metal combs and rulers before sharing footage on TikTok, MyLondon previously reported. Similar messages later appeared referencing boroughs including Highgate, Croydon, Tower Hamlets and Redbridge.
Today (26 February) Technology Secretary Liz Kendall said: “This content is deeply concerning, and I understand TikTok are taking action to review and address it.
“Encouraging violence by urging children to take knives to school is illegal. I expect platforms to abide by the letter of the law and where the content is illegal, they should take action to stop these abhorrent posts.”
The Metropolitan Police has said officers are aware of social media posts circulating and are in contact with schools in several London boroughs. Avon and Somerset Police have also warned about posts, and said officers will carry out additional patrols.
Pepe Di’Iasio, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL), said ASCL supports police and schools in actions they are having to take “to stop this latest trend turning into real-world violence with the clear risk of young people being seriously injured or killed”.
“Barely a week goes by without something appalling happening on social media. This the latest example of the wild west environment on these platforms – in this case all too literally,” he said.
“As ever, schools, families and the police are left to pick up the pieces, while social media companies are far too lax on policing their platforms. When will they get their house in order and when will the Government take stronger action to make them do so?”
The Met said officers are monitoring online spaces and have worked with social media platforms to request a dozen accounts encouraging threats or violence to be disabled.
Commander Neerav Patel said: “I would like to remind young people of the serious consequences of getting involved in matters like this. An arrest, charge and conviction for violence and carrying weapons could mean imprisonment with a significant long-term impact on future opportunities.”
Avon and Somerset Police neighbourhood Chief Inspector Keith Smith said on Wednesday that while the force has seen several posts involving schools in Bristol and south Gloucestershire, there is no evidence to suggest incidents have occurred in the area.
Hannah Woodhouse, executive director of children and education at Bristol City Council, encouraged parents, carers and teachers to talk to children about the consequences of violence.
