In a disturbing incident that has rocked the local community, a 14-year-old boy was allegedly threatened with a knife at his school, prompting his mother to criticize the Western Australia (WA) Education Department for failing to provide adequate support to traumatised students.
The incident occurred last week at a Perth high school, where the boy, whose identity is being withheld for privacy reasons, was reportedly confronted by a fellow student wielding a knife. According to witnesses, the situation escalated rapidly, causing widespread panic among students and staff. Fortunately, no one was physically harmed, but the psychological impact on those involved has been significant.
The boy’s mother, who has chosen to remain anonymous to protect her son’s identity, has spoken out about the ordeal, expressing her frustration and disappointment with the school and the WA Education Department’s handling of the aftermath. She claims that despite the severity of the incident, the response from authorities has been insufficient, leaving affected students without the necessary support to cope with the trauma.
“My son is deeply shaken by what happened. He’s having nightmares and is terrified to go back to school,” she said. “I expected the school and the Education Department to step in and offer immediate counseling and support, but instead, we’ve been met with silence and bureaucracy. It’s unacceptable.”
The mother’s concerns are echoed by other parents whose children attend the same school. Many have expressed their fears for their children’s safety and well-being, questioning the effectiveness of the current policies and measures in place to handle such incidents.
In response to the growing outcry, a spokesperson for the WA Education Department acknowledged the incident and assured the public that an investigation is underway. “We take all reports of violence and threats within our schools very seriously. The safety and well-being of our students are our top priority. We are working closely with the school to ensure that appropriate measures are taken and that support is provided to those affected,” the spokesperson said.
However, for many parents, these assurances ring hollow. They are calling for more immediate and tangible actions, including increased security measures at schools, mandatory counseling sessions for students and staff, and a thorough review of the current protocols for handling threats and violence.
Educational experts have also weighed in on the issue, emphasizing the importance of a proactive approach to school safety and mental health support. Dr. Sarah Thompson, a child psychologist, stressed the long-term impact of such traumatic experiences on young minds. “Incidents like these can have profound and lasting effects on students. It’s crucial that they receive timely and appropriate support to help them process their emotions and regain a sense of safety,” she said.
As the investigation continues, the boy’s mother and other parents are left waiting for concrete actions that will reassure them of their children’s safety and well-being. In the meantime, they are urging the WA Education Department to take immediate steps to address the gaps in support and ensure that no student has to endure such a traumatic experience without adequate help.
