An Angus school is reviewing its anti-bullying policy after a shock attack on a female pupil was recorded and shared on the internet.
The girl was videoed being repeatedly dragged along a school corridor by her hair in the 42 second clip shot inside the corridor of Carnoustie High School.
The police have launched an investigation and The Courier understands three pupils have been disciplined for their role in the assault, with the perpetrator receiving a three-day suspension and a period of ‘isolation’ in the school library.
A petition, set up in the wake of the attacks calling for bullying to considered a criminal offence, has attracted more than 6,000 signatures.
Dr Alistair Crozier, acting chair of the parent council, said parents wanted to have a say in the revised approach to bullying.
He said: “I can confirm that the head teacher has been keeping the parent council up to date with what is happening within the school.
“The video of the incident is very upsetting and the parent council has been reassured by the head that all the parents/carers directly involved have either been in for face to face meetings or discussed the situation on the phone.”
He said the parent council hope no more incidents like this will occur.
“We have been informed that the school is in the process of updating their anti-bullying policy. We hope to have parent input into this.
“The parent council is contactable directly by parents/carers via our direct email address or via the school office and would welcome any comments from parents about the schools anti-bullying policy, which is available on the school website.
“The parent council are happy to pass on any comments from parents at our next meeting, particularly any amendments to the anti-bullying policy that parents would like to suggest,” he added.
The girl who played the leading role in the attack received a three-day suspension while the two other girls have had had break privileges removed, a parent at the school claimed.
Parents have contacted Angus Council looking for further clarity on the punishments as they do not believe they constitute the severe consequences promised in the wake of the assault, which has now been viewed by many thousands of people online.
A second parent has also come forward claiming his 13-year-old son was restrained and punched in a separate bullying incident at the secondary school.
A spokeswoman for Angus Council would not comment on the punishments given to the young people involved in the attack.
She said: “All I can confirm is this is an ongoing matter and we are aware of the situation.
“The pupils involved and their parents have been spoken with and appropriate action has been taken,” she added.