Guangxi school officials suspended over viral bullying incident

Several school officials have been suspended, and nine students were sent for corrective education in southern China after a bullying incident at a middle school went viral online, according to local authorities in Cangwu county, Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, on Tuesday.

Footage shared on Sep 5 appeared to show a girl being assaulted in a dormitory at Shiqiao Middle School in Cangwu. The clips quickly drew widespread attention on Chinese social media.

In response, the local government established a joint investigation team, comprising officials from public security, education, and town authorities, to investigate the matter.

The investigation found that, on Sept 3 and 4, a group of eighth-grade girls physically and verbally attacked a fellow student following minor disputes. The assaults took place around lunchtime on both days.

The victim has undergone medical checks and is now recuperating at home with ongoing psychological support, according to a statement from the local authorities.

Cangwu's education bureau announced on Sunday that the school's principal, two vice-principals, and the class teacher had been suspended for alleged dereliction of duty. Replacement staff have been sent to the school to strengthen management, the statement added.

Police have launched a formal investigation. Meanwhile, nine students identified as perpetrators have been placed in a school for corrective education in line with the Law on the Prevention of Juvenile Delinquency. Their parents are also undergoing legal education, the statement showed.

Local authorities reiterated a "zero-tolerance" stance on bullying, pledging to investigate and punish every case without leniency.