MIAMI, FLORIDA — A viral video that lit up social media on Thursday shows boys brutally attacking a 9-year-old girl on a school bus. The girl and her 10-year-old brother – who was also assaulted off camera on the same bus – were students at Coconut Palm K-8 Academy in South Miami-Dade at the time of the beating.
High school students in #Flordia filmed beating the daylights out of a female in the 3rd grade and her 10 year old big brother... pic.twitter.com/SfG3IVVZXI
— Fight Haven (@FightHaven) February 3, 2023
The parents of the victims told WSVN that they were trying for weeks to get help for both of their children, who they claim were repeatedly bullied prior to the violent attacks captured in the disturbing footage.
“Ever since then, I’ve been to the school, and I’ve spoken with counselors, principals, assistant principals,” the mother told the news station.
“THEY’VE DONE JACK”
Meanwhile, their father claims the school ignored their concerns.
“I’d understand if it’s a one-time issue, whatever, but we’ve been calling their attention since day one,” he said. “Since day one we’ve been calling their attention, and they’ve done jack. […] An assistant principal wrote us, and she said, ‘Oh, I think it’s time you take your kids out of the school.’”
The parents have since pulled their children out of the school and are considering homeschooling. In addition to psychological and emotional trauma, their daughter suffered bruises on her head, back and shoulders.
One student was reportedly arrested and others were disciplined.
Miami-Dade County Public Schools released the following statement: “The safety and well-being of our students is of the utmost importance. The school district goes to great lengths to promote values of restraint and respect, as well as using social media responsibly. We ask that parents reinforce those principles at home.”
