STOMP SHOCK

Sickening footage of schoolyard brawl

A VICIOUS schoolyard brawl where a student has his head stomped on while he lies motionless on the ground has prompted police action.

Tasmania Police has confirmed it dealt with the offender after the fight, which has been captured in sickening mobile phone footage taken by another student.

The fight, which occurred at Jordan River Learning Federation in Hobart’s northern suburbs last month, has shocked the community.

The vision shows two boys locked in a physical altercation and ends with one being thrown to the ground before being stomped on.

Bridgewater Police Sergeant Jason Klug said the matter was of serious concern to police.

“A recent incident from Jordan River was dealt with as a matter of priority and has been resolved as such,” he said.

“This was an isolated occurrence and there is no increase in these incidents within our area.”

Sgt Klug wouldn’t reveal whether charges had been laid but confirmed a student involved in the fight had been dealt with under the Youth Justice Act.

It is believed that the stomped-on student did not suffer any serious injuries and has recovered.

Tasmania Principals Association president Malcolm Elliott confirmed violence was an issue in Tasmanian schools but said the problem starts within the community.

“These events are often a result of antipathy held by one party to another and sadly this behaviour seems to be seen as an acceptable means of resolution in some areas of our community,” he said.

“Violent events do occur in schools and schools respond accordingly, but this is a whole community issue. It starts with adults modelling good behaviour and acting in civil ways rather than being confrontational.”

Mr Elliott said that while extra resources were needed, it was a wider community issue.

Labor MP for Lyons Jenna Butler said a lack of resources in Tasmania’s schools was leading to an increased incidence of violence.

“As local members, we are told this type of incident is happening too often,” she said.

“The Government has fail- ed to provide the resources teachers need, including more teachers aides and psychologists.

“Teachers need support and they need to be treated fairly and Mr Hodgman needs to act before someone is seriously hurt.

“Teachers have been left so badly resourced and undervalued by the Hodgman Government that they are trying to deal with violence and bullying in incredibly stressful circumstances.”

Ms Butler said she will be requesting a full investigation of last month’s schoolyard brawl from Education Minister Jeremy Rockliff.

A Government spokeswoman said the Department of Education was made aware of the stomping video and support for affected staff and students was provided.

“As a result of the incident disciplinary action has been taken for those involved. Supports were also given to all students and staff who were affected by the incident,” the spokeswoman said.

The Government yesterday released draft legislation for public consultation that is designed to address the serious problem of bullying.

Attorney-General Elise Archer said the proposed legislation would criminalise certain serious bullying behaviour such as using the internet with the intention to cause serious, physical or mental harm.

“Further to this Bill, we are investing $3 million over four years to combat bullying and cyber bullying in all Tasmanian Government schools,” she said.