Some parents say they will be checking their kids’ bags
File image of police foot patrols in Bristol(Image: PAUL GILLIS / Reach PLC)
A “shocking” post circulating on social media appears to incite violence among secondary school pupils in the Bristol area.
Several concerned parents told Bristol Live the poster, titled ‘Bristol War’, is being shared on group chats to encourage clashes between students at ‘rival’ schools.
Avon and Somerset Police has confirmed it is aware of the material, believed to be linked to a national trend, and it will be stepping up patrols as a result.
The post lists various schools in ‘red’ or ‘blue’ columns in an apparent attempt to pit them against each other, prompting concerns against the backdrop of the city’s knife crime problem.
Neighbourhoods’ chief inspector Keith Smith said the force is aware of the national trend and has been in contact with schools across the city to offer reassurance and crime prevention advice.
He added that while the trend is not linked to any ongoing investigations, he would urged anyone with concerns to contact police.
Chief Inspector Smith said: “We are aware of social media posts circulating which appear to be linked to a national trend, and we are in contact with schools across Bristol to offer reassurance and crime prevention advice. “We will be carrying out patrols in various areas to provide an increased presence and reassurance, and any incidents reported to us will be investigated accordingly.
“This trend is not linked to any ongoing investigations, but we would urge people with concerns to contact us promptly or call 999 if a crime is in progress.” Anybody with concerns or information is urged to call police on 101 quoting 5226052962 or complete an online appeals form.
Reverend Dawnecia Palmer, who leads the Peacemaker Prayer Patrols in Bristol, said she was “shocked” and “concerned” to see the trend on social media and has been speaking with parents about how best to address these concerns.
Rev Dawnecia, who has been a prominent campaigner and activist on the streets of inner city Bristol for decades, described the trend as “hideous”.
She told BristolLive: “Our young people shouldn’t be planning around knives – how did we get from football, music and kites, to blades and knives? It doesn’t make much sense.
“This brings more fears for parents and young people. I’m currently speaking with a few parents on why, what and how we can or should address these concerns.
“Reassuringly, I received an encouraging message from a mother and community worker which sort of subdued my fears and concerns a little.
“We’ve [Peacemaker Prayer Patrols] started a ‘drop’ in St Pauls where the community is invited to pop in if they have concerns but also are looking to visit several schools, a few of which are listed in the scary notice.”
The community worker quoted by Rev Dawnecia said: “I’ve heard from kids in Year 10 that it’s mainly the youngest year groups and they think it’s silly. Apparently it came from London and most kids here aren’t really taking it seriously.”
She added that hopefully it will “blow over”. However, a number of concerned comments have been shared on one of the posts circulating on social media.
One person said: “A lot of schools have been aware since before half term but are awaiting further police advice before releasing any info. As a parent and educator, this is so scary.”
Someone else commented: “Such a massive range of schools from all over Bristol as well, what on earth is going on with our kids nowadays. Thankfully my kids school isn’t on here (yet) but it’s so worrying.”
A third said: “It’s so scary and worrying because the knife crime rate has gone up massively in the last few years. I have a son in one of the school on the red side of list, I have also made that school aware of it because they didn’t know anything about and if I’m in the wrong for letting them know then so be but I’d rather be safe then sorry.”
The parent called for government action to tackle knife crime among young people, adding: “I will [be] checking my son every single day from now on, I know he isn’t one to fight or anything but I ain’t risking anything now.”
Another agreed: “How exhausting and sad. There is no simple answer to solve all of this but all you can do is check your kids phones and bags.”
Together For Change Aims
Set up a task force – We will develop a community-driven task force to meet and discuss the issue, how best to tackle it and how we can make a real difference with those in power.
Getting knives off the street – We will work with the campaigners to raise awareness of initiatives designed to get knives off the streets.
Social media – We will look at the Online Safety Bill and see if it goes far enough where it comes to harmful knife-related content on social media and how easy it is for children to see.
Raise awareness – We will work together to raise the awareness of how knife crime is linked to poverty, education, employment, social exclusion and the collapse in youth services
Lobby the government -We will cover the issue in the context of the General Election, using our findings from the taskforce and our reporting to lobby for change
Hold power to account – We will scrutinise and hold Avon and Somerset Police and Bristol City Council to account on their plans and models to make Bristol safer