The Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) is raising concern over a number of school fights reported during the opening weeks of the 2026–2027 school year, including incidents being recorded and circulated on social media.

KPSM said it has viewed several videos showing students involved in physical altercations and is particularly concerned about reports that some fights are being organised or encouraged specifically so they can be filmed and shared online.

The police force said the issue of school violence has been raised repeatedly in recent years, with police working alongside parents, schools, government agencies, non-governmental organisations and other community groups to prevent fights and address their underlying causes.

Despite those efforts, KPSM said it is again seeing incidents shortly after the start of the new school year.

The force is urging parents and guardians to take a more active role in their children’s lives and pay attention to what they are doing both at school and online.

KPSM said it is especially concerned about students who may be planning fights, encouraging others to participate or gathering groups for confrontations that can then be recorded and posted on social media.

What may begin as entertainment or a social media trend can quickly turn dangerous, the police warned, potentially resulting in serious injuries and involvement with law enforcement.

Students are being encouraged to seek help from parents, teachers, school counsellors, mentors or other trusted adults when disagreements arise rather than resorting to violence.

KPSM said its role is primarily to maintain public safety and investigate criminal behaviour resulting from fights or related incidents. Where offences are committed, police will take action in accordance with the law.

However, the force stressed that tackling school fights cannot be left to police alone.

KPSM is calling on parents, schools, government agencies, youth organisations, community groups and other partners to work together to prevent violence before it occurs.

The police are also urging parents and guardians to speak with their children about respect, responsibility and the consequences of violence, as well as the risks associated with organising, participating in, recording or sharing school fights.

KPSM said schools must remain safe environments where students can learn and prepare for their future, and reiterated its commitment to working with community partners to reduce school violence during the 2026–2027 academic year.