School investigation finds no evidence of bullying after viral video sparked public outcry.
Kingston College has moved to defend two Grade 9 students whose actions in a viral video sparked widespread concern and criticism online. According to the Jamaica Observer, Principal Dave Myrie released a letter to parents on September 30 stating that a comprehensive school investigation found the older students were attempting to assist their younger classmate, not intimidate or harm him.
The investigation examined available video footage, collected written statements from the students involved, and conducted interviews with relevant parties including students, staff, parents, and external agencies. Based on this review, the school determined there was “absolutely no bullying involved” in the incident and that the Grade 9 students were “trying to help him and prevent him from coming to harm in what was a concerning and potentially dangerous situation.”
Kingston College acknowledged that the two older students have been portrayed negatively in public commentary following the video’s circulation, but stated this characterization was not supported by the investigation’s findings. The school commended the Grade 9 students for their efforts to assist their fellow student.
The investigation also examined a separate allegation that the Grade 7 student had been bullied by a classmate. The school found no evidence to support this claim, with the form teacher reporting no concerns or bullying reports had been raised since the start of the academic year.
The school has urged parents and guardians to use official communication channels to report concerns rather than sharing videos or conclusions on social media. Kingston College emphasized that partial videos rarely provide full context and that premature public statements can result in students being wrongly accused or unfairly labeled. The school also appealed to the wider community not to record or circulate videos of students in vulnerable or distressing situations.
The incident emerged after a video circulated online showing a Grade 7 student being held by two other students over a railing at Kingston College’s North Street campus. The footage prompted immediate concern from the public and prompted the school to launch an investigation while appealing to the community not to share or repost the material.
As a leading Jamaican secondary institution, Kingston College’s handling of student safety concerns and school discipline matters reflects broader Caribbean conversations about child protection, social media accountability, and the balance between transparency and student privacy in educational settings.
Written & Edited by Orlyn Edwards. Published by Caribbean Air Force Media.
Category: Community · Island routing: Jamaica