ABSTRACT
The rise of social media in the last five to ten years has added a new dimension, both good and bad to conflict dynamics in Northern Ireland. Children and young people use it as a tool to socialise but ironically also to arrange fights. The fights—between individuals—are attended by up to 100 youths and children, aged between 8 and 18, boys and girls. They have often been sectarian, and weapons such as knives, hammers and petrol bombs have appeared in recent incidents, alarming the community, raising fears they could easily morph into more serious confrontation. This policy brief explores the nature of the problem and how those at the frontline such as youth workers, residents and the police use social media to counter it and offers recommendations for the future.
