‘Is anyone recording’: Schools girls captured on mobile phone in wild school fight at Gawler & District College

A wild brawl between two young students has been captured at a northern suburbs school, following a statewide ban of mobile phones.

Disturbing footage has emerged of two female students brawling at a public school, despite the state government banning mobile phones in schools across the state.

The fight occurred between two Year 8 students from Gawler & District College, and was captured on phones by several students during recess, 7News reported.

The girls were seen throwing punches and kicks for several minutes, in the presence of a school teacher.

One female student could be heard in the background saying: “Is anyone recording”.

Education Minister Blair Boyer defended the actions of the teacher, while saying the footage of the young students was “confronting”.

“I think you can hear her call out for leadership support straight away, which she did because I think she felt like she needed support to be able to intervene,” Mr Boyer said.

EXCLUSIVE: Police are investigating a wild schoolyard brawl between two year 8 students at Gawler & District College B–12. It was filmed by several students during recess despite the government's new strict mobile phone ban. @hannahfoord7#7NEWSpic.twitter.com/ehxMzpZvM6

— 7NEWS Adelaide (@7NewsAdelaide) July 25, 2024

He believes the statewide mobile phone ban in schools – intended to reduce violence – has been effective since it was implemented from term three, last year.

According to 7News, the students were immediately suspended and the incident was reported to police.

Parent Sharon Falkenberg said the legislation should be better enforced.

“It’s concerning that it’s not,” she said.

Another parent, Alex Edward-Jenke questioned why the teacher did not intervene.

“The fact that she didn’t step in and actually do something,” Ms Edward-Jenke said.

“They were literally fighting with each other, like why wouldn’t you step in?”

“They shouldn’t have their phones on them in school. It’s not okay.

Another parent Rachel McDermott believes “mobile phones aren’t the issue”, but rather “some teachers don’t care”.

“I’m actually worried about sending my kids here next year,” Ms McDemott said.