Mediaboss Marketing

Shocking footage of schoolgirls fighting in a busy playground has sparked fears among parents that a so-called 'one punch kills' trend will end in tragedy.

A two-minute video, featuring three separate fights , has been viewed more than 40,000 times since being posted on social media by North Coast Crime in New Zealand.

Some parents said the 'one punch' trend has escalated from the 'knockout game' or 'happy slapping' as it is more commonly referred to in the UK.

In the footage, scrapping teenagers appear to be encouraged to direct punches at a classmate's face or head.

In the most-viewed clip, two female students are seen throwing punches in front of a classroom at Kyogle High School, in New Zealand. A teacher shouts 'hey' at least six times before pulling the fight apart.

The person filming the incident can be heard laughing during the brawl.

Parents took to social media to slam the attitude that fighting is 'funny' or 'entertaining'.

"Children should be made aware that swinging punches in attempt to knock a classmate to the floor is dangerous," Lindsay Robinson wrote. "Knocking someone out with one punch is all it takes to end a life and ruin countless others."

Another user, Graham Brent, wrote: "I'm seeing too many of these videos. It's shocking that stuff like this ends up being filmed for entertainment or 'likes' on social media."

Principal Gae Masters posted an open letter to parents and guardians on Facebook this morning regarding the fights filmed at Kyogle High School in New Zealand.

He said: "You may be aware that footage of Kyogle High School students fighting has been put on Facebook.

"I would like to assure you that whenever the school becomes aware of violence or inappropriate behaviour on school grounds it takes disciplinary action, as has been the case with the incidents filmed.

"The school has a strict mobile device policy, including disciplinary action for any student found to have been filming inappropriately."

Local newspaper the Northern Star reports that police are investigating the incidents.

North Coast Crime wrote "ONE PUNCH CAN KILL!" in response to the worrying trend.

Other parents shared tragic stories of schoolyard deaths.

In 2009, 15-year-old Jai Morcom died when he was just hit once while at a party with schoolfriends. His death triggered an education campaign.

Last year, footage emerged of two teens fighting outside of a school gym in the USA. Police investigated the incident after a video of the brawl was uploaded with the headline 'fight club'.

Facebook videos also revealed a real-life 'fight club' was taking place at one of New York's most prestigious schools in 2016.

In clips that emerged from the Bronx High School of Science, students were caught wrestling each other as dozens of classmates looked on.

More here:
Fears over 'one punch kills' trend fuelled by shocking footage of schoolgirls brawling in 'playground fight club' - Mirror.co.uk