A BOROUGH headteracher has contacted parents, warning them about social media interactions that could end with fights and trouble between groups of students.

A trend has recently developed on social media sites, encourage children from different scghools to go to 'war' with each other. The messages are supported by graphics and information about how to make conflict happen.

Fatima Rodrigues, head of Hathaway Academy in Grays, contacted parents with an urgent message urging them to take action to de-escalate the situation.

Starting today (Friday, 27 February), she has shared police advice and says it might be helpful if parents collected their childrfen from schools on Friday - when fights are apparently being scheduled.

Her message says: "Social media is sharing that fight events between schools are being organised by social media posts

"This is not a new thing that schools deal with. However, this challenge is deeply concerning. I became aware of this recently and it has spread to Essex schools

"The current challenge is sometimes known for example as the 'Red versus Blue' challenge or the 'Black versus Red' challenge, dividing and listing schools to war against each other. This social media challenge is encouraging inter-school fights and suggesting weapons that should be used including school based equipment

"The fights are said to happen in public places on Fridays after school, and children in years nine, 10 and 11 seem to be the most involved.

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"The language and imagery used in such violent incitement is very worrying.

"Friendships and connections across boroughs and schools mean that your child may be at risk of being drawn into such dangerous behaviour.

"School headteachers and schools are aware of this, as are local and regional police who are monitoring social media. Police are encouraging parents to collect their children from school on Fridays starting today and equally to encourage them to avoid public places such as Lakeside Shopping Centre, which is a local gathering place for young people

"Please speak directly to your child about this. Check their phone and social media accounts and insist that if such events are on their phones that they are deleted and most definitely not shared.

"Your vigilance and partnership matter. When home and school act together we protect our young people and our communities. I thank you in advance for your support."

Thurrock Nub News understands similar letters have been sent to other local secondary school parents.