UK Schools and Police Issue Warnings Over 'Red vs Blue' Social Media Violence Trend

'Red vs Blue' Trend Sparks Alarm Across UK Schools

A disturbing social media phenomenon, known as the 'Red vs Blue' school wars trend, has prompted widespread concern among educational institutions, law enforcement, and parents across the United Kingdom. The trend, primarily circulating on platforms such as TikTok, Snapchat, Facebook, and Instagram, encourages school pupils to participate in organised physical confrontations.

Posts associated with the trend typically divide schools into rival 'red' and 'blue' teams, urging students, often in Years 7 to 11, to 'hunt' or 'jump' opponents. Some content uses language reminiscent of video games, offering 'points' for attacks and encouraging the filming and sharing of these violent encounters online. Alarmingly, certain posts have suggested bringing items such as knives, scissors, compasses, rulers, and metal combs to these planned confrontations.

Geographic Spread and Localised 'Wars'

While the trend appears to have originated in London, with posts referencing boroughs like Hackney, Croydon, Bromley, Greenwich, Redbridge, Camden, Highgate, Tower Hamlets, and Havering, it has rapidly spread to other parts of the UK. Cities such as Bristol, Northamptonshire, and areas in Essex have also seen similar content circulating. Localised versions, including 'Northampton War,' 'Bristol War,' 'Croydon War,' 'South London Wars,' 'Havering Wars,' and 'Rainham Wars,' have emerged, with one instance in Tower Hamlets even adopting a 'Green vs Black' theme.

The trend gained significant traction around February 2026, with some initial posts appearing after a stabbing incident at Kingsbury High School on February 10. Some schools have identified specific dates in late February and early March for these planned 'rounds' of violence.

Coordinated Response from Authorities and Schools

In response to the escalating concerns, both schools and police forces across the UK have taken swift action:

• School Warnings: Many schools have issued urgent letters and communications to parents, advising them to remain vigilant, monitor their children's smartphone activity, and ensure pupils return home directly after school. Some have reiterated strict safeguarding protocols and warned against carrying everyday items that could be used as weapons. Beacon High School in Islington explicitly stated, 'We want to be very clear: this is not a joke, and this is not 'banter'. This is a deliberate attempt to coordinate physical harm within our community.'
• Police Action: The Metropolitan Police and local forces, including Avon and Somerset Police, Northamptonshire Police, and Essex Police, are closely monitoring the situation. They have increased visible patrols around schools and are in regular contact with educational establishments to offer reassurance and advice. Police have also worked with social media platforms to request the disabling of accounts promoting violence, with at least a dozen profiles reportedly removed.
• Official Statements: Commander Neerav Patel of the Metropolitan Police has reminded young people of the 'serious consequences' of involvement, including arrest, criminal charges, and imprisonment. Technology Secretary Liz Kendall described the content as 'deeply concerning,' stating that 'Encouraging violence by urging children to take knives to school is illegal.'
• Social Media Platforms: TikTok has confirmed it has restricted searches related to 'red vs blue' and reiterated that its community guidelines prohibit threats and the glorification of violence.

While police have stressed that there have been no confirmed incidents of disorder directly linked to the posts in some areas, the threats are being treated as a serious 'potential disorder risk.' The trend continues to cause significant anxiety among families and school communities across the UK.