Two students from Upper Hutt College in New Zealand are under investigation for a violent attack on a senior student that was captured on video and shared on social media, sending shockwaves through the school community.
The assault, which took place during lunchtime last Thursday, showed two junior students viciously attacking a senior, while others looked on and even filmed the incident on their phones. The victim, a Year 11 student, was left bruised, prompting her family to contact the police.
The attack has not only affected the victim and her family but has also had a significant impact on the wider student body. The principal of Upper Hutt College, Judith Taylor, described the attack as unprovoked and emphasized the seriousness of the situation.
The disturbing nature of the attack has left parents and members of the community deeply concerned, with one mother expressing her shock and disgust at the violence and the students who filmed it. Additionally, a student’s father expressed his sadness over the situation and acknowledged the challenges the perpetrators may face in the future.
Principal Judith Taylor highlighted the reluctance of students to speak out about bullying and emphasized the need for a safe and anonymous way for students to report harm. She urged students to feel secure in sharing their concerns and worries, both about themselves and others.
The incident has prompted the college to implement an online portal for students to report harm anonymously, aiming to address the issue of underreporting due to a pervasive culture of silence in schools.
The assault, described as serious and rare by the principal, has sparked investigations by both the school and the police. The school is working closely with the families of the two junior students involved, and a disciplinary response is expected to follow once all the facts are considered.
The community is grappling with the aftermath of the attack, with concerns over the impact on the victim and the broader school environment. Ultimately, efforts are being made to address and prevent such incidents in the future, with a focus on creating a safe and supportive environment for all students.