KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Ministry of Education has launched an investigation into a viral video showing students in school uniforms violently assaulting a peer at what is seemingly a prominent high school in the Corporate Area.

Describing the video as “disturbing”, the ministry strongly condemned the action and reaffirmed its zero-tolerance stance on bullying and violence in all educational institutions across Jamaica.

In a statement on Monday, the ministry said student safety remains its paramount concern, and swift action is being taken to address the incident.

“This disturbing incident represents everything we stand against in our education system,” said Education Minister Senator Dr Dana Morris Dixon. “Violence and bullying have no place in our schools, and we will use every resource at our disposal to ensure those responsible face appropriate consequences.”

She continued, “We are committed to creating safe learning environments where every student can thrive without fear. The ministry is calling on parents, guardians and community members to join us in taking an active role in preventing such incidents by reporting any knowledge of bullying through the appropriate and responsible channels to seek redress and militate against this scourge. Early intervention and community cooperation are essential in maintaining safe school environments.”

The ministry said it will be deploying specialised teams to the school involved, to meet with administration and students as part of the ongoing investigation. It said it is also working diligently with the leadership of the school to identify all parties involved to ensure appropriate disciplinary and corrective measures are implemented.

Parliamentary Secretary Senator Marlon Morgan, Director for Safety and Security in Schools, Richard Troupe, and regional team members, will be visiting the affected school to aid in the conduct of the matter and provide therapeutic support as needed.