Birthday bashing leaves boy with lacerated spleen
A private school student was forced to celebrate turning 16 in a hospital bed after a birthday bashing left him with a lacerated spleen.
The Xavier College year 10 student spent five days at the Royal Children's Hospital after being thrown to the ground and punched by his classmates last Tuesday.
Principal, Dr Chris Hayes told 3AW: "We had two boys who hid behind a bush, it was a year 10 boy's birthday and one of the boys jumped out from behind the bush grabbed him and threw him to the ground.
"Another boy came over and punched him quite severely, severe to the extent that it caused a lacerated spleen - at least one of the punches caused this injury."
Dr Hayes says he has since written to parents to inform them of the attack and held an assembly with year 9 and 10 students at the Kew school to condemn the behaviour.
It is believed the attack occurred as part of a new craze called 'birthday bashing' whereby the person celebrating their special day is dealt blows instead of gifts.
"What I have been aware of is that on a student's birthday the boys go up and ruffle his hair, say 'Happy Birthday', and give him a few short punches, but what we had happen last Tuesday went far too far," Dr Hayes said.
The college is still investigating the incident, and has consulted its police liaison officer.
Dr Hayes said it is unclear at this stage if any charges will be laid against the boy, also 16.
More to come.
Has 'birthday bashings' become a new craze, and have you been affected? Tell us below.
