PASCO COUNTY, Fla. — Parents of students at Fivay High school say they are concerned about their kids' safety with fights breaking out during the day.
"This is the fight that really scared me,” said Melissa DiCristina, as she showed ABC Action News one of multiple videos she’s seen on social media of the fights she believes happened recently at Fivay.
“It’s just become a very dangerous atmosphere, people are getting hurt now,” she said.
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The Pasco County Sheriff's Office has confirmed at least two fights broke out Wednesday.
"I don’t think it’s fair to any of those kids what’s going on right now and I think that people, the adults, need to step up and make them feel safe,” she said.
Principal Jason Joens and the Pasco County School District have acknowledged the fights and addressed students Wednesday afternoon about the stricter punishments that will go into effect now for students getting involved in a brawl.
“We will not tolerate this violent and disruptive behavior. The fighting and the posting of fights at Fivay needs to stop now,” said Joens.
Anyone involved in a fight will get an automatic 10-day out of school suspension and possibly face criminal charges. If it’s serious, a student may get expelled even if its a first offense. For a second offense, the student will get an automatic referral for expulsion. Plus, anyone who records a fight could find themselves suspended for 3-5 days too for violating the student code of conduct, and 2-party consent.
DiCristina also says parents need to step up at home. "Please talk to your kids, it’s so important,” she said. "Do what you can at home to make stricter consequences for anything regarding bullying.”
Joens says the new rules are being sent to parents as well.
