The Department of Education has issued a stern warning today to students regarding violence during travel to and from schools.

The spokeswoman stated: “The Department of Education is aware of the recent sharing via social media of public attacks of violence involving students in the public school system. We take incidents of this nature very seriously.

“The Department of Education is committed to providing safe, secure and caring environments for all of our students during school or in the course of travel to and from school.

“Any student found to be involved in any act of violence, or supporting bullying behaviours that bring harm or serious emotional distress to others, and posing a threat will face strong and immediate consequences.

“We seek the collaborative support of parents and ask that they have conversations with their children regarding bullying and violence, and the potential impact on the students themselves.

“The community is encouraged not to share these acts irresponsibly, as this often prolongs both the suffering and bullying that is intended.

“Such acts are and could be deemed aiding and abetting the violence, thus risking one to serious reprimands according to the law.

“It is our hope that the collaborative efforts of parents, the Department of Education and the community at large will help to deter children from any involvement in cheering, participating, videotaping or inciting fights.”