Fights Between Ridgewood Students 'Fueled' By Social Media

RIDGEWOOD, NJ — District administrators have concluded that two fights, which were "fueled by social media," occurred on district property Oct. 27 and 28.

Two teenagers, a 14-year-old and a 16-year-old, were charged with assault and one student's skull was fractured as a result of Oct. 28 fight, police previously said. The fights occurred at Stevens and Brookside fields.

Students who witnessed the attack recorded the violence instead of helping the student, Superintendent Daniel Fishbein said. The fight was reportedly broadcast on Snapchat, according to The Daily Voice.

The injured boy, who may lose vision in one eye, according to The Daily Voice, was defending a girl who was harassed online and told to kill herself. That concerns Fishbein and officials.

"Students regularly bring their concerns to school administration and that is why we have a low incidence of fighting and harassment, intimidation and bullying," Fishbein said in a statement. "We are a school district and understand that students make mistakes in action and judgement and it is our job to administer consequences when necessary, teach better behavior, provide therapeutic counseling when warranted and accepted. Our schools regularly educate and counsel our students to make good decisions. We are proud of our students, but they need redirection when they make mistakes. Accordingly, the High School Administration will utilize a variety of interventions, including the use of education, counseling and school discipline to discourage such behavior in the future."

District administrators are not able to discuss individual students and disciplinary consequences that may be imposed, Fishbein said.

Fishbein reminded the public that only the administrators and the police, when necessary, who are conducting the investigation know the pertinent facts. He chastised parents who "misuse social media" to disseminate "misinformation and falsehoods."

"While people might point fingers and make false accusations when students make poor decisions, we assure you our administrators always work towards resolution and a goal that students will learn from the experience," Fishbein said. "School officials and counselors are available to support and assist all students in learning from this unfortunate event."

RELATED: Teens Charged With Assault Following Ridgewood Fight

RELATED: Boy's Skull Reportedly Fractured In Fight At Local Ball Fields

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