Red vs Blue School Wars: West Midlands headteachers issue warning about worrying trend sweeping TikTok and Snapchat
A worrying new social media craze known as “Red v Blue school wars” has prompted warnings from headteachers and police after posts circulated online encouraged pupils to organise fights with students from rival schools.
The trend — seen on platforms like TikTok and Snapchat — splits schools into colour-coded teams and suggests dates for clashes, a points system for violent acts and in some cases even mentions weapons.
In the West Midlands, headteachers from schools in Walsall, Sandwell and Birmingham have alerted parents after learning that pupils might be planning to attend “school wars” or bring weapons such as knives to these events.
Although it is unclear how many planned fights have actually taken place, the online posts are causing serious concern among educators and law enforcement. Authorities and schools are working together to discourage participation, emphasise safety, and tackle the spread of this dangerous content on social media.
A spokesperson from West Midlands Police said: "We're aware of reports in the West Midlands and nationally suggesting children from some schools are planning to take part in organised fights.
"We are speaking to schools locally and offering them support where necessary.
"We'd urge parents to speak to their children around their use of social media and other online platforms to ensure they are staying safe."
A message sent out to parents of students at Walsall Studio School read: "We have been made aware of reports about so called 'Red and Blue' fights between young people - an issue that began in London and now appears to be emerging in the West Midlands, including Walsall.
"While we have no evidence of direct involvement from our students we want to prioritise their safety. Please ensure you know where your child is at all times, encourage them to stay at home outside of school hours, and remind them to avoid any situations or groups that could put them at risk."
Henry Holland, Principal at Grace Academy Darlaston in Wednesbury, said: "There has been another recent social media post being shared, inviting students from multiple schools to engage in anti-social behaviour.
"As an Academy, we do not condone this behaviour and any student who chooses to become involved may receive serious consequences."
Sandwell Academy and Plantsbrook School have also sent letters home to parents and carers encouraging them to keep their children away from the events.
Other schools included in the social media post include Moreton, Pool Hayes Academy, Heath Park, Highfields, Wednesfield Academy, Moseley, Ormiston SWB Academy, West Walsall E-ACT Academy, Willenhall E-ACT Academy and Wood Green Academy.
The post suggests the fights will take place in the schools, in Walsall and Wolverhampton town centres, the Arboretum and in Heath Town Park.
