A KENT head teacher is considering a ban on mobile phones after violent footage involving some of his pupils was posted on a popular internet site.

Neil McAree, head of Temple School, Strood, acted swiftly after footage of three students posing in front of the school’s sign before throwing a punch at someone, was posted onto YouTube. He had the content removed.

The website allows anyone to post their own videos onto the site. Mr McAree said: “This incident is deeply regrettable. We will continue investigating and will see the matter through to the end.

“This includes reviewing our policy on mobile phones in school. We believe something needs to be done about the YouTube website which appears to have no control over the uploading of content."

The “happy-slapping” craze, where youngsters record themselves attacking people, has swept through the UK with the increase of video cameras on mobile phones.

YouTube had not responded to requests for a comment as the Medway Messenger went to press.