Warning: Graphic content
A London, Ont., mother says her two children were assaulted during recess at C.C. Carrothers Public School and is raising concerns about what she describes as ongoing bullying.
Sammy Riley shared a video on social media that she says shows her 11-year-old daughter and nine-year-old son being attacked by other youths at the school.
The graphic video appears to show a young girl being hit by several people before a young boy is kicked in the head.
“I was heartbroken, I was sick to my stomach,” Riley said. “That was a vicious and vile attack.”
Riley says she took her son to hospital, where she says he was diagnosed with a minor concussion.
She also alleges her children have experienced ongoing bullying at the school for the past three years.
“I’ve been dealing with this school for the past three years, with the bullying and the constant everything, it’s just getting brushed under the rug,” she said.
‘No place for violence’: school board
Riley says she previously tried to have her children transferred to another school, but that request was denied because of where they live.
She has since contacted the Thames Valley District School Board, London police and other authorities.
The school board declined a request for an interview but said it is aware of the incident and an investigation is underway.
“The school board takes incidents like these very seriously and there is no place for violence inside or outside of TVDSB classrooms,” the board said in a statement.
Police investigating
The London Police Service says it began investigating on Sept. 24 after receiving a report of an assault at a school earlier that day.
Police say the investigation is in its early stages as they gather information and determine the circumstances surrounding the incident. All those involved are youths.
Police say no charges will be laid, if all parties involved are under the age of 12.
Riley says she has removed her children from the school for the time being but remains concerned about the safety of other students.
“I feel that they’re not doing anything to make it better or a safer situation for any of the children, because I’m not just worried about my own children now,” she said. “I’m worried about all those other children there.”
The Thames Valley District School Board says students are subject to its Code of Conduct, which includes policies and procedures related to suspension, expulsion, and other disciplinary measures.
