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Several other school violence videos have surfaced online, raising concerns over student welfare, social media use, and child protection
On 15th June 2026, videos showing an incident of violence involving students from Lungtenzampa Middle Secondary School (MSS) in Thimphu began circulating on social media platforms, including Facebook.
The video allegedly shows two students physically assaulting three other students in a classroom in the school, while several other students are seen present at the scene.
Following the circulation of the videos, relevant authorities, including the Royal Bhutan Police (RBP) and the Ministry of Education and Skills Development (MoESD), have initiated an investigation into the case.
The PEMA Secretariat is also providing psychosocial support to the affected students.
Lungtenzampa School
The Lungtenzampa MSS stated that preliminary findings point to two related incidents of student-to-student violence.
The school noted that the first incident reportedly took place on 8th June, where two students are alleged to have assaulted another student.
The second incident, which was recorded on video, occurred on 9th June and appears to have stemmed from the earlier incident before being circulated on social media.
The school also stated that disciplinary action will be taken in accordance with its discipline policy, rules, and other relevant laws and regulations.
It further stated that the disciplinary process will also review the conduct of individuals who recorded and shared the video on social media.
This paper reached out to one of the sources in the school, who said that five students have been suspended from the school, including four alleged suspects involved in the assault, and one student who recorded and shared the video among friends via messaging.
“There are four girls involved in the assault, and a boy who recorded and shared the video, not on social media but with his friends,” the source said.
As per the source, there is no confirmation on the exact time the incident took place, but noted that it occurred after school hours.
The source further added that the victims are currently sitting for their examinations, while the alleged suspects, who have been suspended, are not allowed to do so.
Moreover, students of Lungtenzampa MSS are being guided on restorative measures, including advice to take a break from social media and avoid exposure to negative comments.
“The school as a whole is affected, so students are advised to take a break from social media and also avoid negative comments,” the source said.
According to the source, further facts and findings still need to be established, adding that social media users are doing more harm than good in the ongoing situation.
“If people could allow the relevant authorities to carry out their work, it would be more helpful, as everyone is aware of the gravity of the situation. Lessons need to be learned, and the authorities should be given time and space to look for alternatives,” the source said.
More Violent Videos Circulating from Other Schools
Following the circulation of videos involving Lungtenzampa MSS on social media, several other similar videos also began to emerge.
This paper has identified at least four schools where students, particularly girls, were seen engaging in fights. Two of the videos were from schools in Thimphu, one from Paro whereas one school remains unidentified.
Apart from the earlier videos, the newly circulated clips appear to show one-on-one fights between students in each case.
The first video shows two girls from Dechencholing Higher Secondary School (HSS) fighting inside a classroom, with other students present at the scene. In the footage, some students are seen encouraging the fight, while others attempt to intervene and separate them.
Another video shows two girls from Lungtenphu MSS fighting by the roadside, where one of them falls to the ground. The fight continues until a group of other girls intervenes and separates them, bringing the fight to a stop.
The third video circulating online shows two girls from Shaba HSS, Paro fighting inside a classroom, with the fight moving from one side of the classroom to another, across students’ desks.
In the fourth video, the schools of the two girls involved in the fight could not be identified, as one is seen in casual clothing while the other is wearing a school uniform that is not clearly identifiable.
The fourth footage also shows several other students in different school uniforms.
The fight is seen escalating from a verbal argument to a physical fight. While a boy and a girl present at the scene attempt to intervene and stop the fight, a girl can be heard in the background urging one of the girls involved in the fight to kick the other.
Views of Other Schools
When approached by this reporter, a source from Dechencholing school said the incident had occurred less than a month ago following a misunderstanding between two girls who were friends after a school program.
The source said the matter had since been resolved, and that the students involved are now on good terms.
According to the source, necessary disciplinary measures were taken at the time of the incident, including detention and counselling services.
Action was also taken against the student who recorded the video.
The students involved are currently receiving counselling through the PEMA Secretariat, in addition to the counselling service already provided by the school.
The source said that because the incident involved younger students, disciplinary interventions had to be tailored to their age and level of understanding.
Regarding mobile phone use, the source said phones are not permitted on campus. While daily frisking is not practical, ad hoc checks are conducted and appropriate action is taken when violations are detected.
On the issue of violence in schools, the source said responses depend on the nature and severity of the incident. Where an incident of violence is deemed criminal in nature, the matter is treated according to the seriousness of the offence and action is taken accordingly.
According to the source, this was the first such incident involving the students concerned, but it attracted attention because it had been recorded and circulated at a time when other violent videos were also being shared online.
A source from Lungtenphu school said the matter has been resolved, adding that the incident appeared to have stemmed from a misunderstanding between two girls which later escalated into a fight.
“We cannot say that this is bullying as both girls were engaged in a fight until a group of other students intervened and stopped it,” the Lungtenphu school source said.
The source further added, “The two girls involved in the fight reconciled two days after the incident and have since gotten along with each other.”
The source said Lungtenphu school conducts a Situational Analysis Survey, through which students are asked to provide information on their mental health as well as their living and learning environments.
“Through this, we identify how students are affected, whether they are being bullied, and their mental health at home. The information remains confidential, and only counsellors reach out to the students concerned, while the school in general provides awareness.”
The source added that the initiative also includes parenting education on issues such as bullying, home environment, and student safety.
RBP
According to police sources, only the Lungtenzampa incident is currently under investigation.
Sources confirmed that nine minors, all students, were involved in the violent incident captured in videos that were circulated in three parts.
The nine minors include two students who recorded the videos, two initial suspects, one primary victim, two subsequent suspects, and two subsequent victims.
The first incident reportedly occurred on 8th June, when two girls allegedly assaulted another girl.
Following the incident, the victim approached a senior girl and informed her about what had happened.
On 9th June, the senior girl, accompanied by a friend, allegedly assaulted one of the initial suspects, while the other suspect was reportedly on leave. During the same incident, the seniors also allegedly assaulted two other girls.
The incident that occurred on 9th June was later recorded and circulated, eventually going viral on social media platforms.
According to sources, the violence stemmed from a desire for revenge and allegations of backbiting.
Officials said that all students involved in the incident, including witnesses, are currently undergoing psychosocial assessment through the PEMA Secretariat, as they are minors.
Officials said the mental well-being of the children remains a priority.
The case remains under investigation, and authorities said any decision on further action, including possible prosecution, will be made only after the investigation is completed.
Officials further stated that although the video was recorded on 9th June, it began circulating on social media on 15th June and subsequently went viral. However, the incident and the videos had already been reported to the police on 14th June.
The PEMA
Meanwhile, The Pema Secretariat said the minors involved in the incident had been referred to the organisation solely for psychosocial assessment and that the assessment process is currently underway.
A suicide
Meanwhile, it has also been learnt that a female school student from one of the schools in Thimphu recently died by suicide. The school of the student remained tight-lipped and even refused to acknowledge that one of their female students had died by suicide.
Ministry of Education and Skills and Development
This paper tried to contact the Education Minister Yeezang De Thapa over the phone on the issue but she did not respond despite repeated attempts. The paper then tried going to see her in the ministry office but was not allowed in saying that Lyonpo does not meet people without an appointment, and that she is busy.
The Education Secretary staff also informed the paper that the secretary does not meet anyone without prior appointment.
Similarly, the paper tried to meet the Director of the Department of School Education but he was busy in a meeting.
In the past the paper had tried sending written questions on other issues following official protocol but it can take up to two to three weeks to get a reply.
The ministry, however, is conducting an investigation on the Lungtenzampa incident.
RBP says not to share videos
The RBP stated that it was aware of videos circulating on social media depicting an incident involving school-going children and confirmed that the matter is under investigation.
The RBP urged the public to refrain from speculation, sharing unverified information, or making comments that could prejudice the investigation or cause further harm to the children involved. It stated that due process of law would be followed and appropriate action taken in accordance with the law.
The police also called on the public to immediately stop sharing, forwarding, reposting, downloading, publishing, or commenting on videos, images, or related content connected to the incident.
According to the RBP, the dissemination of content involving children in a manner that violates their rights, privacy, or dignity, or otherwise contravenes the law, may constitute an offence and result in legal action and penalties under Bhutanese law.
Individuals who have already shared such content were urged to remove it from all social media and messaging platforms.
The RBP appealed to the public to act responsibly, respect and protect the rights and dignity of the children concerned, and allow relevant authorities to conduct a fair, impartial, and thorough investigation.
Similarly, the National Commission for Women and Children (NCWC) said the widespread sharing, forwarding, recording, downloading, and publication of videos involving minors is concerning.
In a press release, the NCWC stated, “The Child Care and Protection Act of Bhutan provides for the protection of children from exploitation, abuse, and actions that may jeopardize their well-being and best interests.”
The NCWC further urged the public to immediately stop sharing, reposting, or publishing the video or any related images.
Meanwhile, the United Nations in Bhutan has called for the safety, respect, and inclusion of children across all settings, including schools, homes, online spaces, and communities.
As authorities continue their investigations and assessments, the incidents have drawn attention to the broader challenges of addressing student conflicts, safeguarding children’s well-being, and preventing the misuse of social media.
According to experts, early interventions, counselling, and cooperation among schools, parents, and relevant agencies remain essential in ensuring that disputes among students are resolved before they escalate into violence and become amplified through online platforms.
