London school wars ‘are the wild west of social media’

Social media posts encouraging violence among pupils in red vs blue ‘school wars’ are deeply concerning, the Technology Secretary has said.

Metro revealed how the ‘trend’ splits schools into red and blue sides and encourages pupils to ‘be violent’.

The first post, made almost two weeks ago, declared ‘war’ between eight different schools in Hackney – just days after two pupils were stabbed at Kingsbury High School.

It encouraged pupils to bring sharp objects such as compasses and metal combs, and divided the schools into ‘red’ and ‘blue’ sides.

Technology Secretary Liz Kendall said last night: ‘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’

‘Barely a week goes by without something appalling happening on social media. This is 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?’

What are the Met Police doing?

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.

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.

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