‘Washing machine’ bullying: My son was locked in a cabinet and urinated on

"Meanwhile, a teacher looked on, did nothing, and continued teaching his class," the Sydney mum revealed.

Eleanor Katelaris

2 min read

August 21, 2023 - 1:45PM

High School

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Ashley's* ninth-grade son, Nick* has been brutally bullied for the last six months by eight other students in his year.

He became the target of 'washing machine' violence and cruel humiliation tactics. But what is perhaps even more distressing is that one of his teachers, Mr. James*, reportedly witnessed these acts and failed to intervene.

"My heart dropped," Ashley shared in the Sydney Mums Facebook group about the moment her son came to her about what was going on.

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"They won't stop hurting me"

Describing one of the vicious attacks her 15-year-old son faced, Ashely said, "He was put in a cabinet in class and urinated on and his woodwork teacher Mr. James witnessed this, didn’t intervene and continued his class."

He also allegedly saw her son being "washing machined" by those same eight kids - a term used to describe a scenario where a group of people circle around someone and kick and punch them until they fall to the ground.

"The teacher just walked past and didn't help him," Ashley said.

After being subjected to this sort of barbaric treatment for half a year, Nick finally "had enough" and told his parents what was happening.

When asked why he didn't tell them sooner, Nick admitted he didn't want to be called a "snitch" or "be jumped by them" again.

"They won't stop hurting me and Mr. James won't help me," the teen said to his mum, before saying he went to bed the night before "physically shaking" thinking about his bullies' treatment.

Image: IStock

"Please take this to the police"

Ashley was furious and devastated at the same time and headed into the school the next morning to demand answers.

After interviews with the principal and a thorough investigation, the eight students were suspended.

Fast forward two weeks and Mr. James formally resigned.

"I’m happy he’s no longer working there and other students are safe now," Ashely shared. But her son still feels intimidated by his bullies returning and punishing him even harder. He even attempted suicide.

Ashley then asked other parents what she should do and whether or not she should take legal action.

Many parents gave her advice in the comments. "You should definitely speak to the police as a bare minimum, this is assault," one fellow mum wrote.

Another agreed, "Yes please take this to the police. If these kids don’t face consequences more than just suspension it will continue. I would personally not be sending my son back to school and considering changing schools."

"Whatever you do, get him into counselling or speak to a psychologist ASAP," someone else concluded.