A physical altercation between students at a Paphos secondary school culminated in one teenager receiving hospital treatment for a head injury last Friday, sparking parallel investigations by local authorities and the Ministry of Education. The incident, which occurred on school grounds, subsequently escalated into a separate confrontation between the fathers of the involved students, underscoring the volatile nature of the situation. Police are now examining the circumstances that led to the 13-year-old male victim being struck by a projectile, while educational officials have condemned the behavior and pointed to a pattern of prior disturbances.
According to a formal complaint lodged at Paphos Central Police Station by the injured boy’s father, the conflict originated from a verbal dispute between his son and a 15-year-old female student. The argument allegedly turned physical when the older student threw a stone, striking the younger boy on the head. Emergency services transported the 13-year-old to Paphos General Hospital, where medical staff conducted an examination. He was diagnosed with a minor head injury and discharged shortly after receiving care, officials confirmed.
The day’s tensions were further compounded when the fathers of the two students became involved in a heated exchange later that same afternoon. The 44-year-old father of the 15-year-old is alleged to have confronted the complainant on school premises, issuing verbal threats. This secondary clash highlights the challenges schools face in managing not only student behavior but also the reactions of parents, a point emphasized by education officials in the wake of the event.
In a statement, the Ministry of Education expressed its strong disapproval of the initial violent episode. Furthermore, context provided by the ministry revealed that the 15-year-old student implicated in the attack had been involved in two similar behavioral incidents previously, with the most recent occurring roughly six weeks before this latest confrontation. This history suggests a recurring disciplinary issue, raising questions about intervention strategies and support systems within the school environment.
Giorgos Koutsidis, the Acting Director of Secondary Education, addressed the broader implications, urging parental cooperation. “We call on parents to cooperate with schools rather than directing their frustration at educators or the education system,” Koutsidis stated. His comments reflect a growing concern among administrators that external pressures can complicate the resolution of internal school matters and undermine institutional authority.
The Paphos police investigation remains ongoing, focusing on the specifics of the assault and the subsequent alleged threats. Simultaneously, the Ministry of Education is conducting its own administrative inquiry, which could result in disciplinary measures for the student involved. This incident has ignited a local conversation about safety protocols, conflict resolution mechanisms, and the necessary support for students exhibiting persistent behavioral challenges. The community now awaits the conclusions of the investigations, hoping for measures that will prevent any such escalation in the future.