Adelaide Now reports that Australian teachers say TV interviews with students at the centre of the YouTube bodyslam video glorify violence and make it harder to tackle bullying.
Teachers furious with TV networks warring over interview material
Sydney schoolboys Casey Heynes and Ritchard Gale hit international headlines after their schoolyard fight was filmed and then later broadcast on the internet. It seems every move, accusation and allegation regarding the fight has made front page news and fuelled an internet video feeding frenzy.
The families of the two boys have reportedly made a substantial amount of cash from TV interviews following the incident.
Australia school bullying incident: Body slam
But teachers unions say the coverage has not been helpful to the children involved, or to teachers who have policies and procedures to deal with bullying.
NSW Teachers Federation President Bob Lipscombe said he was concerned about the payments and believed these could discourage more students from seeking help of teachers and parents over bullying.
And while the story has been a ratings hit around the world, it has ironically led to a brawl between Sydney TV rivals Today Tonight and A Current Affair.
The brawling programs have accused each other of stealing footage of paid interviews with victim Casey Heynes and bully Ritchard Gale.