Violent schoolyard fight at North Rockhampton State High School | Video
Footage has emerged of a ‘violent’ fight between two students at a Central Queensland high school, with a parent calling for tougher rules on fights in schools. WATCH THE VIDEO
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A concerned parent has spoken out about the moment their teenager was “violently” attacked just before the afternoon school bell rang, calling for tougher rules in schools for violent behaviour.
The parent, who wishes to remain anonymous for privacy and safety reasons, described the behaviour as “animalistic”.
A video, which was circulated on social media, shows two students from North Rockhampton State High School involved in the fight in the schoolyard.
One student can be seen throwing punches at another and pulling the scruff of their shirt with the other student, at one stage, on the ground.
The fight happened in late May.
The parent of the victim student described the fight as an “ambush”.
“It was 10 minutes before the end of school and they had just come out of class,” the parent said.
“Thankfully they (the injuries) were all superficial, they were grabbed by the hair and thrown to the ground.
“There were cuts near their eyes, bruises and the inside of their mouth … it could have been worse.”
The parent said the fight only stopped when an adult intervened.
“If that person hadn’t stopped the fight that teenager in their animalistic state could have killed my kid,” the parent said.
“The school states clearly they do not tolerate disrespect, violence or abuse and it’s not just courteous, it’s the law. What law?”
It is understood, since the incident, the student who threw the punches has been suspended.
The victim teen’s parent said their child was back at school, but called for tougher rules against violent behaviour in schools.
“They’re not going to lower themself and take revenge, that’s just stupid and we aren’t that kind of people,” they said.
“What’s the school going to change? What are they going to do? Why not a public apology? Make it uncomfortable and make them think twice.”
A spokesman for the Department of Education said while the response of the school for specific situations couldn’t be disclosed publicly possible consequences for fighting included after school detention, restorative conversations – facilitated, suspension or exclusion.
“Any situation that threatens the safety and wellbeing of students, staff or others in our school communities are treated seriously, and dealt with as a matter of priority,” the spokesman said.
“The school has applied appropriate consequences in line with the school’s Student Code of Conduct.
“The students and their families are being offered support at the school. Guidance Officer support is available at the school for any students who may require it.
“Every Queensland state school has a Student Code of Conduct, developed in partnership with the local community. Each school’s Student Code of Conduct details the ways staff will support students to contribute to a safe, supportive learning environment and lists possible consequences when behaviour standards are not met.
“A copy of the North Rockhampton State High School Student Code of Conduct can be viewed online here.”
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Originally published as Violent schoolyard fight at North Rockhampton State High School | Video
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