Met Police Declare War on ‘Red vs Blue’ School Fights Trend
Police in Greenwich have slapped on emergency powers to tackle a shocking rise in youth violence sparked by a bizarre social media craze dubbed ‘Red vs Blue’. Pupils from rival schools are baited online to brawl and ‘earn points’ in this dangerous internet game – and it’s tearing the city apart.
The violence has spread fast, starting in Hackney and now hitting Redbridge, Croydon, and Greenwich. Shocking posts urge children to attack rivals using weapons like compasses, metal combs, and rulers – with fights often filmed and shared online, fuelling the frenzy.
Greenwich Under Section 35 Dispersal Order to Stop Violence
The Met has slapped a Section 35 Dispersal Order across Greenwich from 11:30am to 10pm today. This gives officers the power to break up groups of youths and move them on, preventing further clashes and keeping the streets safe.
Inspector Joanna Chapman, Greenwich Borough: “We take the safety of children and residents very seriously. The dispersal order allows police to prevent crime and disorder by dispersing groups of youths borough-wide. You’ll see an increased police presence working with council wardens to tackle any issues today.”
Police Crackdown Hits Social Media and School Patrols
The Met is not just policing the streets. They’ve identified around a dozen social media accounts spreading violent challenges and are pushing to have them shut down. Officers patrol schools with a strong presence, ready to act fast against trouble.
“Young people need to understand the serious consequences — arrests, charges, and potential jail time for carrying weapons or violent behaviour can wreck lives,” a police spokesperson warned.
Despite the police action, some pupils dismiss the hype as “fearmongering” designed to panic parents.
Government and Schools Rally Against Social Media Violence
Technology Secretary Liz Kendall blasted the posts as “deeply concerning,” urging TikTok to get tough on illegal content glamorising knives and violence in schools.
Meanwhile, Pepe Di’Iasio, General Secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL), warned of the deadly risks. He slammed social media as the new ‘wild west’ where harmful content spreads unchecked, putting kids in real danger.
Parents, pupils, and authorities are on high alert, determined to crush the ‘school wars’ trend before it spirals out of control.
