A school has raised concerns over a troubling social media trend that incites students to target peers from rival schools in exchange for rewards.
Dubbed ‘School Wars,’ this trend involves students gaining points for confronting or assaulting individuals from other schools. The situation has escalated in London following the widespread circulation of ‘Red vs Blue’ posts associated with this trend on social platforms. Consequently, several schools in the capital opted for early closures to prevent potential conflicts between students.
A school in Rotherham has alerted parents that it has been identified as a potential target in the School Wars phenomenon, according to a report by Yorkshire Live. Wickersley School and Sports College communicated in a letter to parents, “We have been informed about a social media trend that is being shared nationwide. This trend, known as ‘School Wars,’ seemingly encourages the targeting of students from other schools.
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“The social media posts suggest that these incidents could occur on the way to or from school, identified by the students’ uniforms. Points are allegedly awarded for attacking students from other schools using items like scissors, compasses, and rulers, with further points granted for physical assaults such as punches and slaps.
“While we do not intend to cause alarm, reports indicate that this trend is being organized in Rotherham, with Wickersley School being one of the identified targets. Today, we will address this issue with our students, emphasizing the importance of staying in groups or pairs when commuting and seeking safe havens like shops if they feel threatened or unsafe.
“Currently, this remains a social media rumor, and the likelihood of these events taking place is uncertain. We urge you to discuss this matter with your child when they return home today, as their safety is our top priority.”
Following advice, students at an Essex secondary school were advised not to wear their blazers while traveling home to avoid being identified, as reported by the BBC.
The circulation of viral videos displaying ‘Red vs Blue’ content has prompted increased police presence outside schools and the issuance of emergency dispersal orders.
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