Mackay high school students’ bullying, violence exposed on social media
Footage uploaded to social media shows students fighting as bystanders encourage the violence and film it on their mobiles
Mackay
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Shocking videos have surfaced on a popular social media platform exposing the underbelly of Mackay's state high schools.
In video posts uploaded to a private account, students can be seen encouraging violent fights and bullying while filming it on their mobiles.
They included pupils from Mackay North, Sarina, Mackay and Northern Beaches State High Schools.
In one video, a teacher tried to intervene in a fight only for the student to reach around him and over the port rack in an effort to continue and in others, girls were dragging each other by the hair.
But the videos do not show nearby students trying to break up the violence.
A Department of Education spokesman said they were aware of the Instagram account and had escalated a request for the page to be removed immediately.
"Instagram is currently reviewing the request," the spokesman said.
"Any students found to be involved in the uploading and sharing of fight videos are dealt with in line with their school's Student Code of Conduct.
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"The department has a dedicated team to assist schools to proactively respond to online safety issues, including providing professional development opportunities for school staff, students and school leaders.
"All state schools actively promote the safe and positive use of social media and the internet through classroom discussions about its impact in the school and the wider community.
"State schools do not tolerate violence and anti-social behaviour and continue to work diligently to promote safe and respectful interactions between students and a safe learning environment for everyone in their school communities."
The Daily Mercury contacted the Queensland Police Service. It is not yet known whether there is an investigation into the matters.
The Education Department spokesman said the bullying and cyber-bullying policies that "clearly outline(d) the responsibilities of principals and school staff" were available from the department's website.
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