Parents in New Zealand’s Coromandel region are calling for stronger anti-bullying measures at Mercury Bay Area School after a 14-year-old boy suffered a broken leg during an alleged assault inside a school toilet block.
According to a report by Stuff, the incident has intensified concerns among families about student safety, with more than 100 parents signing a letter urging the school’s board of trustees to review toilet supervision, safety measures, and disciplinary policies.
According to the letter, the attack was the latest in a series of reported incidents involving bullying, intimidation, and violence at the school. Parents have also raised concerns about students being locked in toilet stalls, toilet doors being kicked in while occupied, and pupils being filmed without consent. Some students are reportedly avoiding the toilets altogether because they feel unsafe.
The most serious incident occurred on April 30 during a lunch break, when the 14-year-old boy was allegedly attacked by two other students in a toilet block, Stuff has reported
The boy’s mother claimed the attackers punched, kicked and stomped on her son while other students watched.
“Another boy who was involved said, ‘You get him and I’ll video it’, but we haven’t found any video evidence,” the mother said, as quoted by Stuff.
She alleged that one of the boys later admitted to targeting her son’s leg during the attack.
The teenager suffered a spiral fracture and was taken to Thames Hospital, where he was fitted with a full-length leg cast. He spent about five weeks away from school and may require further surgery.
The mother expressed her anger over the incident.
“I’m absolutely furious, absolutely disgusted that these kids have done this, and can do this,” she said, Stuff has quoted.
“If that was the real world … they’d be sent to prison.”
Police confirmed they investigated the assault and spoke with two youths connected to the incident.
“Police made a number of enquiries … including speaking with two youths involved,” a spokesperson said.
“The file has been referred to Youth Aid and a youth process will be undertaken,” as quoted by Stuff.
The incident has sparked wider concerns among parents, some of whom claim bullying has not been adequately addressed.
One mother told Stuff she withdrew her children from the school after her daughter was allegedly locked inside a toilet cubicle for an entire lunch break. She said when the matter was raised, she was told there was no bullying at the school, “just a little unkindness”.
In response, principal Ross Dunn described the toilet block incident as “deeply concerning” and said the school had increased supervision in the area while reviewing procedures and facilities.
“Whenever there are allegations of assault, bullying or intimidation, they are immediately and thoroughly investigated and addressed through our school processes,” the statement said, as reported by Stuff.
“The challenge for schools is that we cannot publicly discuss individual students, disciplinary action or support plans because we have legal obligations under the Privacy Act.
“That can sometimes create the impression that no action has been taken when, in fact, significant work is happening behind the scenes.
“Our focus remains on providing a safe environment for all students. We will continue to work closely with students, staff and whānau to address concerns and support the wellbeing of everyone in our school community," Stuff has quoted.
In an earlier message to parents, Dunn acknowledged the incident had “raised broader questions and sparked commentary regarding our school culture.”
“Please be assured that the senior leadership team and the school board are fully engaged and are managing this situation, and any situation involving bullying with the absolute seriousness it deserves,” he wrote, Stuff has quoted.
Board of trustees chair Gary Hinds said student wellbeing remained a top priority.
“We have confidence in the school's leadership and staff, and we are satisfied that concerns that arise are addressed through the appropriate processes and in accordance with the school's policies and legal obligations,” he said.
Community leaders have also joined calls for action. Mercury Bay Community Board chairman Richard Shelford-Woodcock said the attack was the “final straw” for many parents.
He said he was “fearful” of sending his son to the school because of the “excessive bullying that’s going on”.
“It’s not just physical, mental and cyber bullying - it’s all the above. And the fact it doesn't get addressed,” as quoted by Stuff.
Shelford-Woodcock said the assault had shocked the community.
“You never think it would happen in a … very small town like this. It was the final straw, and it was just a momentum of people saying ‘we’ve had enough’,” Stuff has quoted.
The injured boy’s mother said the incident had left her son anxious about returning to school and had taken a significant emotional and financial toll on the family.
“People don’t understand the financial and emotional damage on the whole family.”
She added that she wants to see a “zero tolerance” approach to bullying and stronger consequences for those responsible, Stuff has reported.