A disturbing incident unfolded at a Sydney high school where a 12-year-old Year Seven student was reportedly assaulted by a 14-year-old peer. The altercation occurred during lunchtime, witnessed by numerous students who recorded the event on their smartphones. The young girl’s mother recounted receiving a tearful call from her daughter, pleading for help after the attack.
In the aftermath of the incident, the mother expressed her dissatisfaction with the school’s response, questioning the lack of supervision from teachers during a busy lunch period. She pointed out that the only care her daughter received was basic first aid for a bloody nose and eye, with no ambulance called to assess her injuries. Furthermore, despite police recommendations, the school allegedly refused to suspend the older student responsible for the attack.
When the mother sought clarification from the principal about the lack of disciplinary action, she reported being met with laughter and the response that suspensions were no longer a common practice. In light of her concerns, she reached out to Premier Chris Minns and Education Minister Prue Car, after which the attacker was eventually suspended the same day.
The incident raised additional concerns for the mother, particularly regarding students recording the fight and sharing videos during school hours. In response to the situation, the Department of Education issued a reminder to students and their families about the prohibition of mobile phones on school premises.
The girl’s mother indicated that her daughter is struggling to cope with the aftermath of the incident, experiencing anxiety that has affected her eating and drinking habits. Previously a vibrant and sociable child, the girl has withdrawn, causing her family significant distress.
The Department of Education has categorically condemned violence in public schools, stating that incidents of this nature are managed according to their Behaviour Management Plan. They confirmed that disciplinary action was taken against one of the students involved and that the school is providing ongoing support to those affected. Meanwhile, the Minister for Education reiterated the school’s zero tolerance policy towards violence and praised the principal for taking prompt action following the incident.