KC clears students accused of bullying boy dangling from stairwell

Kingston College (KC) has come out swinging in defence of two students who were branded villains after a disturbing video surfaced showing them holding a Grade 7 student who appeared to be dangling from a stairwell.

The school has declared that its investigation found no bullying was involved and instead determined that the two Grade 9 students were trying to prevent the younger boy from being hurt.

In a letter to parents and guardians on Wednesday, Principal Dave Myrie said the school conducted a comprehensive investigation into the incident, including a review of the audio, interviews with students, meetings with parents and consultations with external entities.

“The school wishes to state categorically and unequivocally that, based on the findings of its comprehensive investigation, there was absolutely no bullying involved in this incident,” the letter stated.

“These findings have been accepted and agreed on by all parties involved.”

According to the school, the evidence did not establish that the Grade 9 students were bullying, intimidating, attacking or attempting to harm the Grade 7 student.

Instead, KC said the investigation found that the boys were trying to help him and prevent him from coming to harm in what was described as a “concerning and potentially dangerous situation”.

The school, however, did not explain how the Grade 7 student ended up in the position captured in the video.

KC also pushed back against claims made by the boy's mother that her son had been experiencing increased bullying from a student in his class since the start of the school term in September.

The mother reportedly said her child had asked her not to report the matter because he feared further victimisation.

KC said that allegation was also investigated through meetings with the relevant students, their parents and the form teacher.

“The investigation established that there was absolutely no evidence of bullying,” the school said.

The administration also reminded parents and students that the school has established channels for reporting bullying, intimidation, inappropriate conduct and other concerns.

“The school cannot investigate or intervene in matters of bullying, intimidation, inappropriate conduct or other concerns affecting a student if such matters are not brought to our attention,” the letter stated.

KC also condemned the public backlash against the two older students, saying their portrayal as villains was not supported by the findings.

“It is therefore unfortunate that these young men have, through comments and interpretations arising from the circulation of the video, been portrayed or branded as villains. That portrayal is not supported by the findings of the school’s investigation,” the school said.

With the video continuing to generate discussion, KC urged parents and guardians to avoid making public comments, posting on social media or drawing conclusions about incidents while investigations are ongoing.

The school warned that short videos and partial accounts may not provide the full context of an incident.

“Our children deserve to be protected not only from physical harm, but also from the consequences of misinformation, speculation and premature public judgement. Please allow us to establish the facts before conclusions are reached publicly,” KC said.

Parents and students with concerns have been directed to use the Class Parents WhatsApp Group, the Parent-Teachers’ Association or the relevant form teacher to make reports.

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