What's happened
During visits to Welland Academy, both the UK prime minister and Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer engaged with students over the viral '6-7' meme, originating from a rap song and NBA culture. The incident sparked classroom disruptions and discussions on free school meals, with both leaders apologizing for encouraging the phrase.
What's behind the headline?
The viral '6-7' meme exemplifies how pop culture infiltrates educational settings, often disrupting classroom discipline. Both the prime minister and Sir Keir Starmer's participation underscores the importance of understanding youth culture in political engagement. The incident reveals a broader challenge: politicians must navigate social media trends that can undermine authority or distract from policy messages. The focus on free school meals, which will expand in September 2026, aligns with efforts to reduce child poverty, but the meme incident risks trivializing serious policy discussions. The leaders' apologies reflect awareness of the delicate balance between relatability and professionalism. Moving forward, policymakers should consider how cultural phenomena influence youth behavior and communication strategies, especially when addressing sensitive issues like education and poverty. This event foreshadows the need for more nuanced engagement with younger generations, blending cultural awareness with policy advocacy to foster trust and effective messaging.
What the papers say
The Independent reports that both leaders participated in the meme, with Sir Keir Starmer joking about the disruption caused by the phrase. The New York Times highlights the viral origin of '6-7' from Skrilla's song and NBA memes, emphasizing its popularity among Generation Alpha. The Guardian discusses the cultural impact of the phrase and the reactions from teachers, who see it as a classroom distraction. All sources note the leaders' apologies and the broader context of their visits focused on promoting free school meals and reducing child poverty, with plans to expand support in September 2026.
How we got here
The '6-7' phrase, originating from rapper Skrilla's 2024 song, became a viral meme linked to NBA player LaMelo Ball's height. It gained popularity among children and online communities, often used in videos and memes. The phrase's spread into schools has caused disruptions, prompting educators to impose consequences. The leaders' engagement highlights the intersection of pop culture and politics, especially around issues like child welfare and education funding.
Go deeper
Common question
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What is the 'Six-Seven' meme and why is it trending in schools?
The 'Six-Seven' meme has taken social media and classrooms by storm, originating from rapper Skrilla's 2024 track and spreading through viral videos, including NBA clips. Recently, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer mimicked the gesture during a school visit, sparking widespread attention and concern. But what exactly is this meme, and why is it causing such a stir in educational settings? Below, we explore the origins, impact, and implications of this viral trend.
More on these topics
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Sir Keir Rodney Starmer KCB QC MP is a British politician and former lawyer who has served as Leader of the Labour Party and Leader of the Opposition since 2020. He has been Member of Parliament for Holborn and St Pancras since 2015.
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Bridget Maeve Phillipson is a British Labour Party politician who was elected at the 2010 general election as the Member of Parliament for Houghton and Sunderland South.