A Katherine resident has posted a schoolyard video to his personal Facebook page titled: 'This is what our kids witness on a daily basis'.
He shared: "Totally unacceptable on so many levels and yet the government has the audacity to fine parents for not sending their children to a school where violence is a on going concern.
"How many times does the school go into lock down? According to my kids it's a weekly occurrence."
Local CLP member for Katherine Jo Hersey was tagged in the video, responding: "I have become aware of many fights this week and am working with CE and Department staff to address this issue. Not acceptable."
Comments on the video ranged from disgust, with social media calls for parental responsibility; security guards in schools; corporal punishment; and absurd commentary running along homophobic and racial lines, with one reader asking what the victim "said".
The more moderate comments included: "They will suspend them for a week, than with a bit of luck they've had time to cool off and move on," attracting the response: "You are joking, cool off, suspension will only let them think they are gangsters."
One commenter asked if police had a presence in the school, attracting confirmation from some Facebook users, with one highlighting "they don't intervene".
Another commenter attracting the most support read: "Just for some perspective and clarification, if you want to get more involved in the high school reach out and enquire how you can help.
"Join the school council, attend some meetings and maybe voice your concerns, but please don’t undermine or grab your pitchforks and harangue the very people who are doing all they can to make this school great.
"Speaking for myself, we chose to send our kids to this school to be part of the solution, not the problem, and personally I thank so many of the teachers, staff and parents that are making this school improve.
"My kids are having a red hot go at making this school work, as parents you should do the same."
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