A chilling wave of organized aggression is sweeping across London’s schools, fueled by viral social media posts that explicitly encourage violence between students. What began as localized “school wars” in North London has rapidly spread, igniting fear and prompting urgent action from parents and authorities.
The initial posts, surfacing almost two weeks ago, declared “war” between eight schools in Hackney, a disturbing escalation following recent stabbings at Kingsbury High School. These messages weren’t simply boasts; they detailed plans, even suggesting students arm themselves with everyday objects like compasses and metal combs, dividing schools into opposing factions.
Now, the conflict has metastasized, reaching boroughs like Newham, Harrow, and Croydon, each developing its own intricate system of rivalries and allegiances. Tower Hamlets has organized its own version, categorizing schools as “green” or “black” sides, while other posts escalate the conflict to borough-wide battles.
A disturbing points system has emerged, assigning value to acts of aggression. One post details awarding 20 points for “jugging” an opponent and 10 for simply “banging” them, transforming schoolyard disputes into a twisted game.
Despite the alarming nature of the posts, some students question their authenticity, suggesting they are attempts to incite panic. A Year 10 student in Hackney believes the posts are designed to exploit existing anxieties within the community, arguing that rational teenagers wouldn’t willingly participate in a confrontation with a known police presence.
So far, no large-scale fights have materialized, largely due to the swift response of the Metropolitan Police, who issued dispersal orders outside a Hackney McDonald’s after the initial posts went viral. However, the messages continue to circulate on platforms like TikTok and Snapchat, with students openly declaring their allegiance.
The situation has understandably triggered deep anxiety among parents. Tammy Brown, who tragically lost her son Russell to knife crime in 2016, pleaded with parents in Tower Hamlets to closely monitor their children’s activities, fearing another devastating loss. “It totally took my breath away seeing these posts,” she said, “I hate to think of another mum or dad getting that knock on the door.”
The risk extends beyond planned confrontations. One grandmother, whose grandson attends a Hackney school, expressed concern about the vulnerability of students walking through pedestrianized areas like Mare Street, where there is “no hiding” and a potential for unprovoked attacks.
Commander Neerav Patel of the Metropolitan Police acknowledged the situation, stating that officers are in close contact with schools across London, providing reassurance and maintaining a visible presence. The police have also been working with social media platforms to disable accounts promoting violence and threats.
Patel issued a stark warning to young people, emphasizing the severe consequences of involvement, including arrest, charges, and a criminal record that could jeopardize their future opportunities. The situation remains fluid, but the message is clear: escalating tensions and online threats are being taken extremely seriously.
