Girl arrested over schoolyard attack at Whyalla Secondary College

A teenage girl has been arrested after a schoolyard attack in Whyalla that left another schoolgirl in hospital.

A teenage girl has been arrested after video emerged of a young girl being kicked, punched and stomped during a schoolyard bashing at a Whyalla high school.

Police were called to Whyalla Secondary College at recess time on Monday after a year 11 student was allegedly approached and attacked by another student.

Confronting video shows the attacker in the video screaming and swearing as the victim, 16, was thrown to the ground.

The victim was punched and kicked repeatedly as stunned onlookers watched the incident unfold.

An alleged attack played out in front of stunned students at Whyalla Secondary College. Picture: 7NEWS

The hurt schoolgirl was taken to the Whyalla Hospital for treatment of minor facial injuries.

Following investigations police arrested a girl, 15, and charged her with assault cause harm.

She was bailed to appear in the Whyalla Youth Court in June.

The incident has sparked pleas from parents at the school to end the violence, with some describing the environment as being “like a prison yard”.

One father who wished to remain anonymous said his son was forced to move schools due to fearing other children at the college.

Education Union Branch President Andrew Gohl said teacher shortages, Covid-19 and the amalgamation of schools in the area created a “perfect storm” for disruptive behaviour.

“The school is brand new and has the task of creating a new culture … you’ve had staff who’ve been in and out over Term 1 which has compromised their capacity to establish effective learning relationships,” he said.

“The Department of Education has a responsibility to ensure a safe environment and they need a dramatic injection of staff to support that.”

Mr Gohl said discussions with the school’s leaders last term revealed concerns over workloads and high turnover of staff.

“Any violence is unacceptable … but extra support is needed in ensuring the school gets up and makes a positive start,” he said.

Originally published as Girl arrested over schoolyard attack at Whyalla Secondary College