CHILDREN at an Island primary school have been learning about the dangers of copying what is seen online — after a child took a kitchen knife into school.

A girl in Year 5 was seen with a knife in her bag at Carisbrooke Primary School and investigations by teachers revealed she may have been responding to an internet dare or prank.

Head of school Lloyd Watkins said the child was a 'model child from a model family' and the incident was swiftly dealt with and was 'just about learning safe online use'.

Executive headteacher Katherine Marshall sent a letter out to parents yesterday (Monday).

She explained: "A Year 5 child brought a small kitchen knife into school. A child saw it when she was putting her bag away at the start of the day, staff were informed and the knife was removed.

"Mr Watkins contacted parents immediately. A full discussion took place with the child and parent. The child was sent home for the day.

"Please be reassured that an issue of this kind is fully investigated by the school and other agencies if necessary, as we do take such matters very seriously.

"The child was very remorseful, embarrassed and quite distressed once she understood the seriousness of her actions.

"Knowing the child well, I am quite confident that there was absolutely no negative intent.

"It is more the case that a very naive child responded to an ill-thought though childish dare/prank.

"Please be reassured I am confident that the child — and indeed fellow pupils — have learnt a very important lesson, and such poor choices will not be repeated."

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