Flags are everywhere—in sporting arenas, on public buildings, and even in our classrooms. But what do they really mean, and how do people feel about them? Let’s dive into a recent story capturing the attention of primary schools across the UK. What’s Happening: A Surge in Flag Displays In the summer of 2025, a campaign called ‘Operation Raise the Colours’ took off across the country. This movement encouraged people to display English and Union flags on lampposts, roundabouts, and buildings. The timing followed England’s women’s football team participating in the Euros, stirring pride among supporters. For many, these flags are a symbol of unity and national pride, especially during sporting events. Some politicians also welcomed the increased displays as a positive expression of support for the nation. Mixed Reactions to Flag Displays Not everyone feels the same way. Alongside shows of national pride, there have been concerns about how flags are used in different contexts. Some community members and critics noticed that flags also appeared at protests about immigration. In these cases, flags made some people in the UK feel excluded or unwelcome. As a result, councils in certain areas have removed some of these displays, aiming to make communities feel safer and more inclusive. What Do Surveys Show? Surveys suggest that while most people still view these flags positively, a significant number now associate them with exclusion rather than unity. The way flags are used can vary greatly, depending on who is displaying them and why. Flags: More Than Just National Symbols Beyond national flags, there are many others representing different causes and communities. Examples include flags for Pride, Sports, Safety, Fairtrade, and Peace. Each flag tells its own story and holds special meaning for those who fly it. Discussion in the Classroom Exploring the subject of flags offers a chance for children to think about what these symbols mean to them. Consider these questions during your discussion or assembly: What flags have you noticed before? How do flags make people feel? Can the same flag mean different things to different people? If you could design a flag, what would it represent for you, your class, school, or family? Children are also encouraged to create their own flag designs, considering what symbols, colours, and words best express what matters most to them. Thinking Critically About Flags Flags hold power—they can bring communities together to celebrate, show support, and share values. However, they can also be divisive, depending on how and where they are displayed. It’s vital to reflect on what our flags represent and consider the feelings of everyone in the community. As part of the assembly or classroom discussion, students might analyze a poster image, identifying features like a zebra crossing or guessing why it looks a certain way. This can lead to broader conversation about symbols, their meaning, and their impact in everyday life. Reflection: The Meaning of Flags In summary, flags are much more than just colourful pieces of cloth. Their meanings can shift depending on context and intent. They can unite or divide, welcome or exclude. When we share or create a flag, it’s important to think about its impact on others and the message it sends. Explore the latest Picture News resources here: https://picture-news.co.uk/free-sample Join our latest discussion here: https://picture-news.co.uk/discuss Explore our recent events and training here: https://picture-news.co.uk/training
