Parents speak out about student behaviour after Ballina Coast High School lockdown

Parents have raised concerns about violence and other issues at a northern NSW school after an incident sparked a lockdown. It comes after videos emerged of kid “fight clubs” across the region.

Parents are worried about ongoing violence, vaping and other behavioural issues at a northern NSW school after students allegedly attacked each other, sparking a lockdown.

In response, the Department of Education said Ballina Coast High School was “taking strong disciplinary action against a small number of students involved in physical altercations”.

“The school does not tolerate any incidents of violence and anti-social behaviour against students or staff,” a spokesperson said.

“Immediate action is taken according to the school’s disciplinary policy if an incident occurs.”

The school’s relieving principal Jess Coates said the wellbeing of students involved in the incident was being monitored and support would be provided as required.

Ballina Coast High School.

The incident last Wednesday comes amid reports of fight club-style youth brawls occurring across the north of the state – often being filmed on smartphones and shared on social media.

The “two students’ behaviour” led to the school’s entire student body being moved into the closest indoor facility, parents were advised in a letter.

“Police attended the school and assisted staff with student behaviour to mitigate further risk,” the letter read.

NSW Police confirmed officers attended a high school on Cherry St in Ballina on the day in relation to the incident.

“On arrival, officers were told a group of students had been involved in a fight, before a teacher restrained one of them,” a statement read.

Investigations have been undertaken into the incident, but no injuries were reported.

Reninya Roberts said as a parent of two students attending Ballina Coast High School she held “big concerns” over youth brawls in Ballina, including in schools.

A letter sent out to parents.

She said one of the boys alleged to be involved in the altercation may have been struggling with personal issues and lashed out “to the next level”.

“At the end of the day, teachers couldn’t even calm his anger,” she said.

Ms Roberts said she believed the school needed to implement more support programs and counselling for students.

“Kids should know that it’s okay to talk,” she said.

“For me as an Aboriginal single mum, I’ve got four boys, my sister has girls, and we’re trying to break the cycle.

“You want us to close the gap? Well help us break nasty cycles like these fights.”

Ms Roberts claimed students were drinking alcohol and taking illicit drugs on school grounds.

Ballina Coast High School.

“They’re bringing bottles of vodka into the school, vaping and smoking weed at 14,” she said.

“I spoke to the principal requesting a parent night because I’ve got big concerns, and I want to know if they know what the kids are doing.”

The department responded: “These are isolated incidents and involve a very small number of students.”

“The school has taken appropriate action on all incidents that have been reported,” a spokesperson said.

“The school has received no reports of illicit substances on school grounds in 2023.

“If a person knows of an incident, they must immediately report it to the school.

“The vast majority of students at Ballina Coast High School behave responsibly and foster accountability among fellow students.

“We continue to encourage parents to work with the school in supporting positive behaviour from students.”

Belinda Legzdins, the parent of another student attending the coastal-town high school, alleged her son was the victim of an attack by a student in recent weeks.

She claimed there was a pattern of violence and the alleged attacker “obviously has problems and needs help”.

Ms Roberts said more activities were needed to keep kids busy.

She suggested supervised dances, raves and programs could get youths off the street and just “hanging out” in positive environments, rather than looking for trouble.

Know more about youth violence in the region? Phone Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.