‘Like a prison yard’: Parents express fear as footage of violent schoolyard attack on 16-year-old girl leaks

Parents have revealed fear for their children after a horrifying video emerged of a teenage girl being brutally bashed in a schoolyard. WARNING: Graphic content.

WARNING: Graphic content

Parents have described a South Australian high school as a “prison yard” as horrifying footage emerged of a teenage girl being brutally beaten by another student at the campus.

The sickening bashing happened at Whyalla Secondary College during recess on Monday morning, leaving the victim with injuries to her face and concussion.

A 16-year-old Year 11 student, can be seen talking to her friends before appearing to be kicked from behind by another girl and dragged to the ground by her hair.

She then tries to shield her head while the alleged attacker repeatedly kicks and punches her, screaming and shouting at her while doing so.

The victim’s mother told 7 News her daughter was released from hospital on Monday night, but did not go back to school on Tuesday or Wednesday.

The video was circulated on social media via Snapchat, with 10 News reporting its public exposure has added to the girl’s trauma.

Horrific footage emerged of a Whyalla Secondary College student getting bashed at school. Picture: 10 News

The Year 11 student suffered facial injuries and concussion as a result of the attack. Picture: 10 News

Parents have since spoken out about the fear they have for their children who attend the school.

One young mother said that the students that acted with such violence “knew they couldn’t be touched”.

“We all feel stuck and helpless, we are sending out children into what feels like a prison yard,” she told The Advertiser.

“All we can do is tell our kids to keep their heads down and not speak. They hide and try to be as invisible as possible in the hopes they don’t end up a target like many have.”

Another parent said the violence was so bad that his son was forced to move schools.

“He went every day without eating because he didn’t feel comfortable going to get his lunch from his locker, because that’s where a lot of kids hang out,” he said.

A woman whose niece works at the high school said teachers requested security to assist during yard duty as they felt they were being “sent to the lions”.

Parents have since spoken out about the fear they have for their children who attend the school, Picture: Whyalla Secondary College website

SA Police have since confirmed they have arrested and charged a 15-year-old with assault causing harm over the incident.

She was granted police bail and is due appear in the Whyalla Youth Court in next month.

Education Minister Blair Boyer described the attack as “extremely violent”.

“It’s an incredibly violent incident, but I’m hoping this isn’t an indication of a more widespread problem and the (Education) Department tells they don’t think it is,” Mr Boyer told 10 News.

The Education Department also said in a statement “appropriate disciplinary measures” would be taken and wellbeing support was available.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or go online.