RCMP are investigating an alleged assault that occurred between youth at an outdoor park in the community of White City.
A video circulating on social media showed a young girl aggressively grabbing the hair of a boy, while others jeered, and watched the events unfold.
“Seeing that my friends weren’t actually my friends and the fact that I did nothing to them, made it even worse cause it’s like what did I do to deserve it,” the alleged assault victim Kai Gavel said.
Since it was posted Thursday, the video has been viewed more than 60,000 times.
The video is tough to watch, but for Milissa Gavel, the mother of 12-year-old Kai, it’s even harder.
“He told me ‘Mom, I really didn’t do anything.’ Clearly, you can see that in the video and for a little guy with ADHD and ODD restraint is a challenge,” Gavel said.
RCMP officials said that since the investigation began, they were advised the video had been shared on social media.
“We understand the concerns we have heard raised by our community members. We are actively investigating this matter and working with our schools,” White Butte RCMP Staff Sgt. Jason Sauve said in a press release.
In addition to investigating the alleged assault, officers have been working closely with local schools and giving school talks relating to how to avoid physical confrontations and internet safety.
“It is important to note that because the youth involved in the incident are identifiable and under the age of 18, we are limited in what information we can discuss publicly, including the outcome of the investigation,” Sauve added.
Gavel said the kids in the video go to Emerald Ridge Elementary School, but because the incident happened off school property, Prairie Valley School Division won’t comment.
Jonathon Renwick works with at risk youth and their families in Regina, as part of a program known as TRiP.
“I saw aggression and I saw kids that could potentially use support in dealing with their emotions,” Renwick said after seeing the video.
He said he’s seen positive results in Regina as a result of the program and believes it’s something smaller communities could benefit from.
“Because of where we live we’re constantly falling through the cracks and not getting the supports we need to help manage his behaviour, or help bounce back in situations like this,” Gavel said.
Kai said the attack was unprovoked and appreciates all the support he’s received online.
Gavel hopes that by sharing what happened to her son, it encourages parents to talk to their kids about using their voice to speak up.
With files from Katelyn Wilson
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