Mother pleads for action against bullying after daughter targeted in Port Adelaide railway attack

A western suburbs mother says her daughter could have been killed when she was attacked by students at a train station, and is pleading for action after a spate of violent brawls. See the video.

A western suburbs mother says her daughter could have been killed in a vicious brawl between school students right next to a railway line.

The Advertiser has obtained video of year 9 and 10 students from Le Fevre High School, Warriappendi School and Ocean View College allegedly targeting a 15-year-old girl in a brutal attack.

In the video, taken at Port Adelaide Railway Station on Monday afternoon, a female student can be seen yelling at the victim – a Mount Carmel College student – before hurling her to the concrete as a train passes by.

The 15-year-old attempts to get to her feet but five students restrain her, throwing her to the ground again as they land blows to her head and body.

Another student helps the girl to her feet after a passer-by intervened.

The 15-year-old’s mother, who wished to remain anonymous, said it was the second such attack on her daughter in recent months.

She said the incident had left her terrified for her daughter’s wellbeing and fearful of sending her back to school.

“It’s really scary, to think I have to send her back to that train station every day,” the girl’s mother said.

School students fight at Port Adelaide train station. Picture: Tom Huntley

School students fight at Port Adelaide train station. Picture: Tom Huntley

“The way (the student) threw her down my only thought was, ‘lucky there was a train there’, because if not they all could’ve been on the tracks.

“All this violence is just wrong, it’s not acceptable.”

The 15-year-old’s mother, who works with an organisation helping juvenile offenders, said she had spoken to Warriappendi, Ocean View and Le Fevre High School and had been informed that Le Fevre had since suspended its students involved.

SA Police said Western District Police were aware of the incident and were currently investigating.

The Education Department confirmed it was investigating the incident and had spoken with leadership at the three schools.

“Investigations are ongoing to identify all involved, with one school suspending students today after becoming aware that they were sharing the video content,” a spokeswoman said.

“Each of these schools take matters of violence and bullying very seriously. These matters are totally unacceptable to the Department for Education and the schools.”

The incident is the latest in a spate of violence across South Australian campuses.

Last month, security guards were deployed to Golden Grove High School after a series of confronting school fight videos emerged, while a vicious schoolyard bashing was captured on camera at Whyalla Secondary School.

The mother of the latest fight victim has called for greater bullying education, to stamp out violent incidents, and better assistance for students who may be struggling with anger issues.

School students fight at Port Adelaide train station. Picture: Tom Huntley

School students fight at Port Adelaide train station. Picture: Tom Huntley

“The system here needs to help kids like this and not throw them into juvenile detention, but actually help every child,” she said.

“They need to be asking these students why they are angry … What alternative help is there for them? What do they do with the kids that bully?

“I have friends in prison that have done things like this and now have ended up with life. It just really is concerning – what could happen if we don’t stand against bullying?”

Earlier this month Education Minister Blair Boyer said vaping and student violence – some of which had been filmed and shared to social media – were some of his biggest challenges.

But he said authorities were urgently working to solve the problems.

“Critical incidents in schools are always of concern and taken seriously,” he said.

Mr Boyer will host crisis talks next month with Commissioner for Children and Young People Helen Connolly, peak educational bodies, researchers, school leaders, teachers and students.