Hopewell High schoolboy arrested over assault of schoolmate

A male student at Hopewell High School in Hanover has been taken into custody by the police in relation to the assault of a schoolmate.

The police say the matter remains under investigation.

A video of the incident has been making the rounds on social media platforms.

In the video, the schoolboy is seen being hit in the face, kicked and beaten all over his body by a group of boys.

Meanwhile, ​the Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA) is reporting that it has located the victim and is in dialogue with the school and will be providing psychological support to the student.

“Our first responders visited the school yesterday, Thursday, November 28. We spoke with the 15-year-old student who was assaulted, as well as his father and the CPFSA will be providing counselling through our Children and Family Support Unit,” said CPFSA CEO Laurette Adams-Thomas.

The CPFSA says it understands that the boy was allegedly beaten on two occasions earlier this week by the group of students.

The matter was reported to the police, and the 15-year-old is to receive medical attention today, Friday, November 29.

The CPFSA was informed that the main suspect was arrested and is to go to court.

“The video was quite perturbing to watch. The behaviour of the boys is simply heartless. We continue to see serious levels of aggression in these bullying cases which indicate that something is fundamentally wrong with our exposure to violence as a society.”

The CPFSA CEO is calling for parents to be more assertive in taking steps to safeguard and support their children.

“As a nation, we can all help in the fight against bullying and violence (in all its forms) against our children. Parents, you need to maintain an open and active communication system with your child/ren so that they feel comfortable to come and speak with you about what is happening to them either at school or in their communities. Also, pay attention to your children so that you are able to quickly identify possible signs of bullying. Is your child anxious about going to school? Does he/she have unexplained physical marks or bruising? Is he/she losing money or has no friends? Has academic performance declined?

“Additionally, if you get complaints about your child bullying others, or you notice aggression in your child's behaviour towards others, take it seriously and get help for your child early. Most importantly, we need to be good role models to our children. Remember, violence begets violence,” Adams-Thomas said.

- Bryan Miller

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