Arabic version: محاكمة مراهقين بتهمة الطعن في المدرسة المرتبط بلعبة على وسائل التواصل الاجتماعي

Two teenagers have been sentenced for their involvement in a stabbing incident at Ellenbrook Secondary College in Perth, which was part of a social media ‘game’ that encouraged violent behavior among rival gangs. The incident occurred last December and involved a group of armed youths targeting a student on school grounds.

According to ABC News, a 14-year-old and a 17-year-old were sentenced after pleading guilty in Perth Children’s Court. The court heard that the group had planned the attack online using platforms such as Snapchat, where they were awarded points for committing violent acts against each other.

During the attack, the 14-year-old ran towards the victim armed with a knife and an axe, while the 17-year-old observed in a supervisory role. The victim sustained a stab wound to his arm and a laceration to his head, requiring stitches. Prosecutor Sinead Purvis described the incident as “premeditated and planned,” emphasizing the terror it instilled in the school community.

Judge Wendy Hughes condemned the actions of the teenagers, stating that their behavior was “simply outrageous” and highlighted the potential for far more serious harm. She noted that it was by sheer good luck that the victim was not seriously injured or killed. The 14-year-old received an eight-month detention sentence, while the 17-year-old was given a juvenile conditional release order with supervision.

The court revealed that a total of 12 youths have been charged in connection with the incident, with ten still awaiting their cases in court. The judge stressed the need to prevent such violence in schools, calling for a commitment to ensuring safety for all students.