Parents at a Scottish secondary school are demanding urgent answers after a series of sickening videos showing pupils being violently assaulted circulated online, raising severe safety concerns.
Graphic Footage Sparks Parental Outrage
Angry families connected to Firhill High School in Edinburgh have been left horrified after three separate clips depicting shocking abuse were shared on social media. The footage, which emerged around Friday, 10 January 2026, shows young victims being beaten, kicked, and stamped on, with their screams for help clearly audible.
One particularly disturbing video, apparently filmed in a school bathroom, shows three boys attacking a single pupil. The terrified boy is heard pleading and shouting "help me" as the group, described by a parent as 'feral', repeatedly kicks him. The assault escalates as one attacker picks the victim up and slams his head against a sink.
A Pattern of Violence and a 'Lack of Consequences'
Another clip shows a group of boys fighting in a wooded area, where a terrified boy is curled up on the ground being kicked. Voices off-camera can be heard desperately urging the attackers to stop. A third incident captured on video involves two girls fighting outside, pulling hair and kicking, with one girl being thrown onto the pavement and assaulted.
Speaking anonymously to protect their child, one parent expressed deep fear and frustration at an apparent culture of impunity. "There have been many fights since my child started high school in August, with videos to go with them and kids getting sent to hospital," they said. "It shook me to my core as a parent. One of the boys involved has been in many fights, and is still in school the next day."
The parent revealed the boy in the bathroom attack suffered a fractured rib and nose, while in the woodland incident, two boys ended up in hospital with concussions. "It's frightening and concerning, especially when it feels there are no consequences for their actions," they added.
Education Chief Vows Urgent Action
In response to the outcry, Edinburgh's education chief, Councillor James Dalgleish, stated he was "deeply shocked" after viewing the footage. He sought to reassure parents that the matter was being treated with the utmost seriousness.
"To be absolutely clear, bullying and behaviour of this kind is completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated," Dalgleish said. "School should be a safe environment where children and young people can learn and thrive, and I can only imagine how the victims and their families must feel."
He confirmed that the school's leadership had already taken action and pledged to work closely with the school, education colleagues, and Police Scotland to address the issue as a matter of urgency. He also promised to ensure the victims receive all necessary support following the traumatic incidents.
The community now waits to see what concrete steps will be taken to restore safety and confidence at the school, with parents hoping the violent videos will finally force a decisive crackdown on unacceptable behaviour.
