Several parents from Edney Primary School in High Wycombe, Perth, are raising concerns over escalating bullying after an incident involving eight-year-old Mason Farmer, who was hospitalised following an assault by another Year 3 student. The attack, which occurred on the school playground while Mason was using mouth noises—his way of coping with autism—left him physically unharmed but deeply shaken mentally.
Mason’s mother, Erin Farmer, described the ordeal, detailing that her son was tackled headfirst and subjected to blows that aggravated his head, neck, and back. While Mason is now physically recovered, Erin noted he is struggling emotionally, having difficulty with the aftermath of the incident.
Other parents echoed her concerns, claiming a growing trend of violence in the school. Alyce Sutherland, another mother, reported that her daughter has returned home with bruises, expressing fear about speaking up due to the potential for worsened bullying. The worry is widespread, with some children like Mel Bloor’s son now reluctant to attend school, having changed from a previously enthusiastic student to one who dreads the experience.
The parents maintain that the school is not to blame, instead urging the Education Department to implement more effective measures against bullying. Erin Farmer expressed support for the school’s existing efforts but highlighted a lack of power and resources allocated to combat bullying effectively.
In response, Education Minister Sabine Winton condemned the behaviour and expressed her dedication to reducing violence in schools, offering to meet with Mason’s family to discuss the incident further. Meanwhile, Steve Watson, the Education Department’s deputy director general for schools, indicated that addressing this issue requires collaboration from parents and the broader community, acknowledging that schools alone cannot solve the problem.
This situation at Edney Primary School underscores a critical need for enhanced support and resources to combat bullying and protect vulnerable students, highlighting the collective responsibility of families and educational authorities.