Trinity College students suspended for hanging and abusing baby dolls from child studies class

They thought it was funny, but abusing and hanging baby dolls has landed seven students at a prestigious SA school in trouble.

Seven students at Trinity College at Gawler have been disciplined for pretending to hang and assault baby dolls they had been using for parental care lessons.

The students had been looking after the dolls for three days to simulate what it’s like being a parent.

“Several students thought it would be funny to film themselves deliberately mistreating the simulators (after the three days),” Trinity College head Nick Hately said.

“They made videos of themselves smacking, banging the simulators on a table, swinging them around by the arms and tying them from their hats up a tree.”

The students posted at least two videos on social media, involving one white and one black-skinned doll.

A recording of the Trinity Gardens student hanging the baby doll by the hat. Picture: 7NEWS

“Clearly the behaviour was appalling and juvenile and appropriate consequences, re-education and support were provided,” Mr Hately said.

Seven students were given some form of suspension after the incident last week.

Some of the other students who saw the videos raised concerns the hanging could be racially motivated but the offending students “categorically denied” this.

“Some of our senior students have, understandably, had a hard time accepting this,” Mr Hately said. We take a strong stance against racism.”

The dolls, which contain electronic monitoring equipment, are being assessed for damage for which the students would be liable to pay.

“Poor behaviour can have widespread implications,” Mr Hately said.