Concern over sick internet craze targeting Rotherham schools

Some schools have allegedly been targeted in the so-called ‘School Wars’ craze which has appeared on social media site TikTok.

A page linked to the craze says that weapons should be used to attack pupils at other schools, offering such shocking suggestions as getting 20 points for using scissors and 15 points for using a compass.

It also says: “Schools with most points get crowned as best school in Rotherham”.

At least two schools have issued letters to parents about the issue and South Yorkshire Police and Rotherham Council are monitoring the situation.

Extra police officers have been out on high-visibility patrols in key areas during and after school and throughout last weekend to make sure residents feel safe and reassured amid the ongoing circulation of the social media posts in South Yorkshire.

Supt Paul Ferguson, force lead for neighbourhoods, said: “We know families have been very worried about the content which has been circulating on social media and our priority will always be the safety and security of our communities, whether that’s in our local areas or online.

“We have specialist officers and staff in force who are actively monitoring social media and coordinating intelligence as part of our response.

“We are seeking out the accounts responsible and doing everything we can to get them shut down.

“While we have received numerous calls to pass on information, intelligence and concerns, we have received no confirmed reports of any criminal offences or injuries directly linked to this trend.

“The overwhelming majority of our young people here in South Yorkshire are kind, responsible and considerate, and they are able to see this trend for what it is - a reckless attempt from mindless individuals to incite meaningless violence.

“I’d encourage parents and guardians to talk to their children about this and the importance of rising above it.”

The police said that concerned parents and carers should speak to the officers out on patrol in communities.

People can report any suspicious activity or concerns to the police online or by calling 101. If it is an emergency, call 999.

Rotherham Council is also alarmed over the issue.

Service director, education and inclusion, Nial Devlin, said: “We are aware of content circulating on social media and understand this may be a worrying time for families.

“Safety amongst our communities remains a priority and as such, we have been working closely with partners including South Yorkshire Police, safeguarding colleagues and of course schools, to offer advice.

“We will continue to monitor the situation closely and take action, if and when required.”

A letter to parents from Oakwood High School, seen by the Advertiser, shows the concern felt by schools across the borough.

It says that while parents and students are understandably anxious “there remains no reported incidents of youth generated anti-social behaviour directly linked to ‘School Wars’.”

The letter adds: “While it is natural to feel concerned, the most effective way to dismantle these trends is to avoid giving them a platform.

“We ask for your support by refraining from sharing or ‘sub-posting’ about these trends on your own social media profiles.

“Often, well-meaning posts intended to warn others can inadvertently spread the ‘craze’ to children who were previously unaware of it.”

The letter says that information can be found at the Stop Hate UK website.

It adds that pupils promoting the craze will be dealt with “firmly”.