School Kids Targeted in Violent Social Media Trend

0:00It's February 26th, and this episode is brought to you by NordVPN, fast, reliable online privacy. Links in the episode description. And now, here's what's happening across the UK. A troubling social media trend is pushing school kids into fake wars, splitting them into red and blue teams and urging them to get violent with each. Other, it popped up in mid-February, mainly hitting secondary schools, and has schools on high alert across parts of London and beyond. The post-first targeted areas like Hackney, telling pupils to grab items such as compasses or rulers as weapons and film fights for TikTok. Soon after, similar call spread to places including Croydon, Tower Hamlets, Highgate and Red Bridge. Technology Secretary Liz Kendall called the content deeply worrying and flat out illegal, pressing platforms to wipe it out fast. Several leaders back police efforts to stop it before online hype turns into real injuries or worse for young people.

1:00Police are keeping a close eye on social media, working with sites to shut down 12 accounts, pushing threats. Officials warn kids that arrests for violence or weapons could lead to jail time and wreck future chances. In spots like Bristol, posts have shown up but no actual fights so far. Authorities and educators are teaming up to curb this before it escalates, pushing for tougher rules on platforms to keep kids safe online and off.