The teen at the centre of a humiliating attack from his private school classmates says that he thought he had finally found some friends when they invited him to a park – but was cruelly tricked.
Police are investigating after the student, 17, from The Scots College – where tuition for Year 12 costs in excess of $46,000-a-year – arranged to meet a group of peers in Sydney’s east on Saturday after receiving an invitation to a private Snapchat group.
Instead, he was allegedly ambushed and led to a secluded area near Woollahra Golf Club in Rose Bay, where he was forced to hold a flag and march through a human tunnel.
Disturbing footage posted on social media afterwards showed the rowdy boys pushing and slapping him on the back before throwing beer over him.
The distraught teen later told NSW Police that he was verbally abused and called a ‘fat f***’ before he managed to escape.
Both police and Scots have launched investigations, with the school threatening to expel the students responsible.
The bullied teen recalled the traumatic experience in a letter read out by 2GB breakfast host Ben Fordham on his program on Wednesday.
‘One kid even told me I had to go or I would be kicked out of a program I was part of,’ the boy wrote.
The teen at the centre of a humiliating attack from The Scots College classmates has broken his silence about the harrowing ordeal
‘But that inclusion was a trap. I was ambushed, physically restrained and humiliated.
‘The most terrifying part is that I thought I was finally going to have fun and some friends at school.’
On the same day all Australians under 16 were banned from social media, he also issued a powerful plea to teens facing bullying both online and in real life.
‘I’ve received awful messages online,’ he continued.
‘I’m honestly surprised it hasn’t led to further tragedies. Students feel alone, unsafe and unheard.’
‘My message to another person in a similar situation is simple – speak up before it’s too late.’
NSW Police have so far interviewed four boys aged 16 to 17, who will be dealt with under the Young Offenders Act. No charges have been laid.
Police investigations are ongoing.
The student detailed how he was ambushed, physically restrained and humiliated
NSW Police is investigating the alleged incident involving boys from The Scots College
It comes after Scots principal Dr Ian Lambert sent a letter to parents on Monday confirming it had launched its own probe.
‘The conduct that has been reported and is visible in the video evidence is completely unacceptable and stands in direct opposition to our values. I am disappointed and disgusted,’ he wrote.
‘The fact that this occurred off campus and outside school hours does not lessen its seriousness.
‘Behaviour of this nature is never tolerated at Scots, and my message to our community of parents is that I condemn it in the strongest possible terms.’
Dr Lambert warned parents that possible consequences will include expulsion.
‘It is too early to comment on individual outcomes, but it is clear that those involved have let themselves, their families, and the college down,’ he continued.
‘If you know that your son was involved, I encourage you to speak with him about what has happened.
‘Separately, boys may come forward to self-report. They are expected to be honest about their involvement. Integrity is an important quality of a Scots boy. Those involved now have the responsibility to demonstrate it.’
The Scots College principal Dr Ian Lambert described the students’ actions as ‘unacceptable’
Founded in 1893, fees for the exclusive school based in Bellevue Hill start from $27,240 and go up to $46,920 for a Year 12 student.
If you or anyone you know needs support, contact Lifeline 13 11 14 or the Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800.
