Following the horrific Southport stabbing which claimed the lives of three young girls, the UK has experienced a series of riots and events of civil unrest. Educators are uniquely positioned to provide safe spaces for students to learn the important skills of empathy and respect to mitigate against this type of violence in the future. This blog examines how educators can best respond to the riots when discussing them with their students. 

The Southport Stabbings

On the 29th of July 2024, a brutal attack occurred in Southport at a Taylor Swift-themed dance and yoga event. Three young girls under the age of 10 were murdered with 8 more injured and 2 adults also suffered critical injuries. At the scene the suspect, a 17 year old male, was detained by police. 

The violence of the attack left people around the world shocked. Taylor Swift released a statement “I’m just completely in shock. The loss of life and innocence and the horrendous trauma inflicted on everyone who was there, the families, and first responders.” “These were just little kids at a dance class. I am at a complete loss for how to ever convey my sympathies to these families.” Her fans around the world then helped to raise over £181,000 for the victims’ families.

The Spread of Misinformation and Resulting Riots

Due to the suspect being under-aged, the police and media could only include a few details about the attacker. They revealed that he was 17 years old and born in Cardiff. However, misinformation soon started to spread like wildfire. 

Account on X, formerly Twitter, began to promote false narratives about the attackers nationality and religion. Accounts such as European Invasion, said the suspect was a “muslim immigrant” while controversial influencer Andrew Tate amplified that narrative, stating that the attacker was an “illegal migrant.” Lucy Connolly, the wife of a Tory Councillor, pleaded guilty to publishing written material intended to create racial hatred in the aftermath of the Southport stabbings. Other fake news included that the attacker’s name was “Ali Al-Shakati” and he was an asylum seeker who had recently come to the UK by boat.

This misinformation continued to spread and the anti-Muslim and anti-migrant atmosphere started to grow resulting in the first of many riots. The day after the stabbings a vigil was held for the victims; however it was quickly hijacked by far-right figures who soon started to attack the police and started a violence protest outside a local mosque. 

Since then violent protests have taken place across the UK and Northern island in these locations: Blackpool, Blackburn, Belfast, Bristol, Southport, Kingston upon Hull, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Nottingham, Preston, Rotherham, Middlesbrough, Bolton, Tamworth, Hartlepool, Sunderland, Darlington, Plymouth, Birmingham, London, Aldershot, Weymouth, Leicester, Portsmouth, Southampton and Sheffield.

Embed this map on website: Locations of UK protests and disorder – Google My Maps

How to Respond to the Riots

Many educators have returned to school in the new academic year, unsure how to address the riots, civil unrest and misinformation online  with their students. While many individuals feel powerless during these moments, schools are uniquely placed to provide safe spaces for students to find positive role models, gain the skills to question things they see online and learn empathy and respect to mitigate against this type of violence. 

Here are our 5 tips to responding to the riots with your students.

Responding to the Riots Tip #1: Swift and Visible Leadership 

Educators and PSHE leads should be clear with the rest of the staff about the key messages you want students to know. This ensures staff feel supported and sends a very clear message about school culture. While there are many negatives to discuss such as racism, violence and misinformation; focusing on the positives, such as stories of allyship, is key to building empathy and respect. 

One of our school partners, Thomas Estley Community College, handled the situation this way. Their principal, Mandi Collins, spoke to all staff and students on their first day of term. She focused on  how the college’s values are polar opposites from the violence displayed at the riots. She also reminded students that no one is an outsider at the college and to let a trusted adult know if someone needs help or is being unkind. 

Responding to the Riots Tip #2: A Trauma-Informed Approach

Educators should remember that everyone has experienced these riots in a different way and therefore some students may feel distant while others may have been directly involved. Rather than presuming how people might feel, but take a trauma-informed approach. This can include making it clear to staff and students alike that this is a sensitive topic where an emotional reaction is perfectly normal. Ensure you signpost them to places for support in school and outside of school through local or national organisations. 

Responding to the Riots Tip #3: Give Pupils a Voice

Unfortunately, we have heard from educators that some schools are shutting down any conversations surrounding the riots due to a lack of understanding to know how to approach the subject. The issue here is that it only encourages students to search online for answers where misinformation thrives. 

Instead create a espaces for students to air their thoughts and feelings and to understand other people’s points of views and experiences. This helps students to feel seen and heard but to also understand that this type of violence behaviour and racism is not tolerated. 

Responding to the Riots Tip #4: Establish a Culture of Open Discussion 

While there are aspects of RSHE and PSHE that are reactive, a better long term strategy is to create a culture of openness and respect. This shows that your school confronts difficult conversations head on and has a curriculum commitment. PSHE and tutor times are evident places to find capacity for this work, but it is vital all teachers are trained in having challenging conversations and modeling respectful disagreement. 

Responding to the Riots Tip #5: You are Not Alone 

There are several local and national organisations that can provide support and help build community resilience after these events too. You’ll find curriculum resources for assemblies and form time, as well as intervention packs on racism, online misinformation, anti-immigration and anti-refugee behaviour and more. For community cohesion to work, it is important that this responsibility does not just fall to those who are experiencing the issue. It is everyone’s challenge.

Support 

If you are struggling to discuss topics like the riots with your students, we want to help. Get in touch with our team today to hear how our Life Lessons partners benefit from additional support and resources to help you cope with topical and national issues like this. 

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