The Department of Education has raised concerns over at least three videos circulating on social media showing students in Anguilla engaged in “inappropriate behaviour”.
The footage is understood to involve female students of Albena Lake-Hodge Comprehensive School and includes physical altercations and other conduct.
The department, in a press release on 23 April, described the behaviour as “deeply concerning” and a breach of the rules and expectations outlined in the student handbook.
Get members-only articles and editorials, giveaways and discount codes with Anguilla Focus. Click here to join from just $4/month.
It added that “it also runs counter to the values of respect, discipline and personal responsibility that our education system seeks to instil”.
The department said that equally troubling is the “widespread and indiscriminate” sharing of the videos of the minors.
“The continued circulation of this content places them at significant risk of harm – including bullying, exploitation and long-term psychological and reputational damage,” it added.
The education department strongly cautioned members of the public against participating in the distribution of such material.
The school management with full department support will take “appropriate measures” in accordance with established school policies and the legal framework under the Education Act, the press release said.
“These actions are intended to address the infractions, ensure accountability and provide necessary support to those affected,” it continued.
The department said it wanted to reassure the public that student welfare remains a top priority and incidents of this nature are treated with the seriousness they demand.
It reminded students, parents, guardians, teachers and the wider community that everyone shares a collective responsibility to foster a safe and respectful environment for Anguilla’s young people.
“It is important that we all act with care, discretion and integrity – both online and offline – and offer each other the respect that we would wish for ourselves and our families,” the department said.