Ballarat High School says incidents of violence and bullying posted on social media are isolated incidents that do not reflect the culture of the school.
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Three disturbing videos were posted this month to an Instagram page titled BHS.fights, showing punches being swung, students wrestling on the ground and one student being kicked in the back and punched repeatedly after walking away from a group and one young boy being taunted and reacting.
"Bullying and violence is never acceptable and when issues arise, we take them very seriously," said Ballarat High School principal Gary Palmer.
"These are isolated incidents and do not reflect the safe and supportive culture of our school or the behaviour of the overwhelming majority of our students."
"The school has worked closely with students and families involved to take appropriate action and ensure support is available for those who need it."
The Instagram page was taken down about 3pm on Tuesday, soon after The Courier alerted the school to it but not before almost 150 people had joined the page.
The footage has thrown the issue of mobile phones in schools back in to the spotlight ahead of a statewide ban on phones in government primary and secondary schools from next year government schools from next year to help reduce distraction, cyber bullying and improve outcomes for students.
"We take the wellbeing and safety of students very seriously, and there is no place for bullying in our schools," said Victorian education minister James Merlino.
"Banning mobile phones in schools will help to reduce the harm caused by posting footage on social media."
Mr Merlino said the government had created an $8.9 million Protective Schools Package to improve security and support for schools dealing with emergencies, violent and aggressive incidents, to manage long-term and complex student cases to address the risk of future violence and aggression, and more support for staff.
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