Disturbing social media posts are encouraging children to ‘be violent’ as they advertise ‘school wars’ across London – with a points system awarding a top score for stabbing an opponent
Police have launched a major crackdown after chilling social media posts promoted a ‘school war’ that awarded points for leaving other children with stab injuries.
The ‘Red vs Blue’ social media trend has now named more than 50 schools across the London area, with AI-generated posters giving dates, locations, rules, types of weapons to be used and even a points-scoring system for those who take part in the violence. Many of these pit school pupils according each other according to a colour ‘team’, such as red vs blue or black vs green, while others draw allegiances according to borough.
It follows growing concerns that gangs are turning to increasingly direct methods to recruit youths into violence on social media.
A message aimed at schoolchildren in one of the posters reads: “Be violent.”
Another details a points system for the fights, including a top score of 20 for “juggin” – slang for stabbing. Many of the events are targeted specifically at children, including one that requests only people aged 13 to 16 attend.
Police say they are now in “close contact” with schools across the capital, with officers stationed outside the gates of those named in the posts ready to respond to incidents of disorder.
A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said: “We’re aware of social media posts circulating, and we are in close contact with schools across various London boroughs to offer reassurance.
“Officers will be visible around the schools named at the start and end of the day, and we will respond firmly to any reports of violence or disorder.”
Commander Neerav Patel in Ealing said: “We’re aware of social media posts circulating and are in close contact with schools across several London boroughs to offer reassurance.
“Officers will maintain a strong, visible presence around schools, and will respond firmly to any reports of violence or disorder.
“We continue to closely monitor online spaces and have worked with platforms to request a dozen social media accounts to be disabled where threats or violence were planned or encouraged.
“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.”
