Surrey family goes public with allegations of danger intimidation targeting their teenage son in the hope that it would spur action from authorities – and other parents.
Megan Parker says bullies are armed with airsoft pellet guns targeted her home last week, smashing her son’s bedroom window, as well as the windows of her car and garage.
“When I looked around and realized it was a targeted situation, I got really scared,” she told Global News.
The family says their 14-year-old son, who attends Salish High School, was targeted by a group of youths at the school who they say have escalated their campaign of harassment.
She said that shortly after the attack, someone sent her son a Snapchat video from the shooter’s perspective.
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His father, Jason Parker, said the video was later uploaded to social media.
“I had to relive that moment through the perspective of these teenagers, and it made my blood boil,” he said.
“I don’t understand the thought process of why someone would do this and then record it and post it for others to see. This just shows that they don’t really care about the consequences and are actually proud of their actions.
The family pulled their son out of Salish High School and says they won’t send him back after the holidays.
But they believe the incident is indicative of a larger problem at the school, and one that the school district doesn’t seem to be taking seriously.
“I feel like I should get some answers. Even though it’s not about names, I feel like I should know what actions are being taken and I’m not getting any of that,” Megan said.
“I have also seen on social media other people who go to my son’s school who are also being bullied, and this is being broadcast on social media. I know he’s not the only one.
In a statement, the Surrey school district said it takes all allegations of bullying seriously and is working with the Parkers on a resolution.
The district said it was working with students and their families, the school community and police, and urged others to report any incidents through its online portal.
“Surrey Schools protects the privacy of our students,” it says. “This means that while details cannot always be shared, each situation is explored in depth while maintaining a focus on the safety and well-being of our students. »
The Surrey Police Department, meanwhile, said it was investigating the incident at the Parker home as mischief.
Police are still working to identify the suspects, and an RCMP officer has been assigned to the case and is in regular contact with the family, SPS said.
The Parkers said they are currently working to find a new school for their son.
But they also have a message for parents in the community.
“I really hope whoever bought their kids these guns goes home, talks to their kids, takes these guns away from them, does the right thing and talks to the Surrey RCMP,” Megan said.
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