A Northern Ireland school principal has suspended 19 boys for "disruptive and disrespectful behaviour" that has led to some substitute teachers refusing to teach there and a number of female teachers having to go home because they were so upset.
The Year 11 pupils, at Laurelhill Community College in Lisburn, aged 15 and 16, were each suspended for a day last week.
In an email to the parents of those suspended, principal Nicola Stevenson said a number of workshops have now been arranged for year 11 boys "to ensure that a culture of toxic masculinity does not develop".
The post-primary school in Lisburn has over 900 pupils.
In a statement, Laurelhill Community College said it "will work closely with both pupils and parents to resolve any issues and concerns".
The email from the principal said there has been "disruptive and disrespectful behaviour directed towards staff by an increasing number of year 11 boys".
"This behaviour has resulted in a number of substitute teachers refusing to teach in the school and a number of female teachers being upset to the point where they have had to go home from school," it added.
The principal said that 15 of the pupils who were suspended surrounded her outside her office last Thursday, describing their behaviour as "intimidating".
Earlier that day in the school assembly, she said the boys "were being disruptive, speaking over the top of me, making noises, laughing and being disrespectful and disrupting the assembly for others".
"I have been in teaching for a very long time and have taken numerous assemblies, but I can honestly say, this was the most intimidating, disrespectful behaviour I have ever experienced," Ms Stevenson added.
The pupils were suspended from the school for the following day.
The email informed parents that Laurelhill Community College has arranged workshops "to support us in challenging attitudes around masculinity, in order to promote healthy relationships and create positive cultural changes in school".
The school has said it is "firmly committed to creating a welcoming, safe and positive learning environment for all pupils and staff within our school community".
In a statement, it added: "Respect for each other is a cornerstone of our school community and helps to foster a nurturing and supportive environment for everyone.
"We strive to build strong relationships with pupils and families, and work hard to guide young people to make positive and constructive choices, enabling them to reach their full potential."
It has been reported that a number of parents have lodged official complaints to the school's Board of Governors about the action taken against their children.
