Fear has spread among teenage students at Hagaskóli elementary school in Vesturbær in Reykjavík because a group of their peers, some of whom are also at the school, have threatened them both during and outside school hours.
The situation has lasted for several months and school authorities, in cooperation with parents, police and social authorities, are trying to bring an end to it, Fréttablaðið reports.
“The police have been notified of threats between children and teens in Vesturbær, among others,” superintendent at the Reykjavík Metropolitan Police Kristján Ólafur Guðnason confirmed. “It [the situation] is being worked on.”
Yesterday, the parent of a child who had been threatened by the group came to the school to talk with the alleged perpetrator. This resulted in a struggle but it is unknown how serious it was. Police officers were at the school at the same time, meeting with school authorities.
Kristján wouldn’t comment on specific incidents. “Every now and then a situation is created where few individuals can cause great uproar. These individuals must be located and assistance must be offered and that is what we are doing now.”
The situation is considered to be serious with teachers emailing parents because of it, explaining that a solution is being sought. There are examples of students not wanting to be outside on their own out of fear of being harassed by the group.
According to Fréttablaðið’s sources, the group’s alleged leader has been transferred to another school and has been barred from Hagaskóli and its vicinity but that has not been complied with.
