Call for security guards after schoolyard attack

A video that has emerged of a fight between a group of Ashburton College pupils targeting one teen has left a mother fearing for her child's safety.

The video, which was sent to the New Zealand Herald by a concerned parent, shows two college pupils throwing punches at each other while others stand around and watch.

As the video continues, other pupils become involved in the fight, launching in and punching a pupil on the ground.

The footage continues for about 16 seconds before anyone steps in to stop the attack.

A concerned mother, who wished to remain anonymous, said this was one of many incidents she knew of at the school. She believed violence had increased dramatically over the past two years.

"The incident occurred after a boy confronted a gang member after his bike had been stolen.

"What started as a one-on-one fight over the stolen bike, turned into a savage beating of an innocent pupil," she said.

"Teachers are unable to prevent these gangs intimidating other pupils, my child and friends are no longer able to visit the school canteen on their own.

"They make sure they are always in twos or threes as they move around the school," she said.

The mother believed it was time the school employed security guards to patrol the grounds during the day.

"The teachers are unable to stop this behavior. The school must consider contracting security guards to protect our children or one day you will be reporting on a murder at this college.

"It only takes one coward to punch some body in the back of the head to kill them," she said.

Ashburton College principal Ross Preece confirmed he was aware of the incident and the video.

"Yes students are being disciplined over this. There are three suspension meetings scheduled," he said.

Preece said any violence at the college seemed to be at Year 9 and 10 level.

"Our students don't like violence and if you look closely you will see a couple of lads trying to drag a mate out of the scrap, because they are aware that such incidents are treated very seriously by our board of trustees.

"Aside from the traditional stand down and suspensions we are involved in a number of programmes including 'culturally responsive and relational pedagogy' - really about the relationships between learners and teachers.

"Plus 'Positive Behaviour for Learning' and restorative practice. Both of these last two have been the major focus this year.

"We also have 24/7 youth workers to support our students."

Preece said the school was not considering employing security guards.

"There is no gang problem at our school. We have a handful of students from families with gang backgrounds, out of 1200 students, and they respect our school as a place that they can get on with their learning.

"None of the lads involved are gang members or are from gang households. The fight had happened over a stolen bike."

The school's board of trustees and the Ministry of Education have also been approached for comment.

The school also made news headlines in March last year after a female pupil was knocked unconscious in an assault that was filmed and uploaded to social media.

Kaylee Evans (14) suffered a concussion and was left with chipped teeth after being stomped in the head.

At the time her mother called for greater security in schools.