Police forces across the UK have been granted special powers and are increasing patrols after pupils used social media to organise so-called 'school wars', encouraging fights between rival schools. The trend has prompted action from multiple forces, including the Metropolitan Police in London and West Midlands Police.
In Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham, headteacher Kerensa Neal of Plantsbrook School sent an email to parents warning that social media posts were encouraging pupils to gather in the town centre after school on Friday for a 'war'. She said police had been informed and would maintain a heightened presence, and warned that any students involved would face serious consequences.
In south-east London, the Met Police granted officers in Greenwich a Section 35 Dispersal Order until 10pm on Friday to tackle anti-social behaviour and violence linked to the trend. Avon and Somerset Police also stepped up patrols in Bristol and are working with schools to offer reassurance and crime prevention advice.
Technology Secretary Liz Kendall condemned the content, saying: 'This content is deeply concerning... Encouraging violence by urging children to take knives to school is illegal.' She said she expected platforms like TikTok to take action to remove illegal posts.
Pepe Di'Iasio, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, said the union was supporting efforts 'to stop this latest trend turning into real-world violence with the clear risk of young people being seriously injured or killed'.
