SA Premier condemns 'fight club' but teens vow to continue bouts

Fights appearing to depict teens organised into different weight classes have been posted on social media. Premier Peter Malinauskas says he has asked his ministers to "crack down" on the behaviour. What's next? Police Minister Michael Brown says the organisers could face criminal charges under new "posting and boasting" laws. South Australia's premier has condemned an amateur children's "fight club", while the state's police minister warns participants and those who post videos of the bouts could be liable for criminal charges. Videos posted on YouTube and Instagram appear to show teenagers in pre-planned fights in parks around Adelaide. While on holidays, Premier Peter Malinauskas posted on Facebook that he was "absolutely appalled" about the videos. "It is completely unsafe and perpetuates raw violence in a way that cannot be tolerated, particularly amongst children," Mr Malinauskas said. "This morning I have asked the Attorney General [sic] and Police Minister to do anything required to crack down on this behaviour. "Our kids should be taught how to respect one another, rather than violence to be displayed on social media." The videos, seen by the ABC, depict fights grouped into weight classes. In response to the premier, the group involved posted an Instagram story saying "Dude it's NOT that serious" and that the fights were "gonna continue" even if their accounts were banned from social media. 'Posting and boasting' warning Police Minister Michael Brown told 891 ABC Adelaide "the danger of the whole thing is absolutely extraordinary". "Just think for a second, what would happen if one of these young people hit someone else and they fell over and hit their head and died?" he asked. "We'd be talking about two lives completed ruined because of this stupid activity." As well as showing alleged assaults, Mr Brown said whoever posted the videos could also be in breach of laws that passed state parliament last year banning the "posting and boasting" of criminal activity online with the intent of glorifying or encouraging crime. Mr Brown said he had written to Meta and YouTube asking them to take down the videos because they potentially showed crimes being committed. "I'm still hopeful that they'll respond very quickly," he said. Issue reported to police Playford Mayor Glenn Docherty said "stakeholders" had raised the issue with the council and police two weeks ago. "It's really disappointing to see people using these facilities for such abhorrent behaviour," he said. In a statement SA Police said: "Police are attempting to identify juveniles involved in organised fights and subsequent posting to social media. "Those involved in this activity will be reported for any identified offences." [Image text:] Bantamweight title