Mon Nov 18 06:20:00 UTC 2024: ## 7-Year-Old Hospitalized After Incident at Maryland Elementary School; Parents Demand Answers

**WALDORF, MD** – A seven-year-old boy was hospitalized after an incident at C. Paul Barnhart Elementary School in Waldorf, Maryland, prompting outrage from his parents and sparking a debate about school safety. The boy’s mother shared details on social media, leading to the story going viral.

The incident, which occurred Friday, involved the second-grader and a fourth-grader in the boys’ restroom. According to the parents, the fourth-grader allegedly hung their son, resulting in neck contusions and bruising. Hospital paperwork confirms the neck contusion. The parents, who wish to remain anonymous, describe their son as traumatized.

Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) released a statement acknowledging the incident, claiming the boys were “horseplaying” and that the younger boy’s jacket became caught on a hook. The statement further explained that a student sought help from staff, leading to emergency medical services being called. The school denies allegations of a cover-up.

However, the parents dispute the school’s account. The mother alleges her son stated the older boy said, “I’m going to show you how I did people back in the day,” suggesting bullying. The parents question why a fourth-grader was in the same restroom as a second-grader and demand increased safety measures, including hallway monitors and a review of bathroom policies. They intend to remove their son from the school.

Superintendent of Charles County Public Schools issued a statement Sunday reiterating that due to privacy laws, the district couldn’t release further details but denied accusations of a cover-up.

The incident has raised concerns about student safety and supervision within the school system. The parents’ social media post has garnered over 215,000 likes, highlighting the widespread interest and anxiety surrounding the event. The family is seeking answers and pushing for policy changes to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.

Read More