James Webb’s arm was severely fractured during the incident. Source: Supplied

An x-ray shows the horrific extent of the break. Source:Supplied

Last Tuesday, 12-year-old James, a Year 7 student at Ballina High, had his arm severely broken. Photographs taken by a paramedic show it bent like plasticine.

James’ mother Vikki Webb has been told by fellow students her son was swung around by his arm, and then jumped on by a fellow Year 7 student. Ms Webb said one student told her the attacker laughed afterwards.

“The principal told me the kid didn’t deliberately do it but I think the school is trying to sweep it under the carpet,” she said.

A spokesman for the Department of Education, on behalf of Ballina High School, said the boy was “pushed over and fallen on by another boy” during a game of grab football, a game that had been repeatedly banned.

James Webb’s arm is recovering following the serious break. Pictured here with his mother, Vikki. Picture: Jason O'Brien Source: Supplied

“The evidence of student and staff reports does not suggest a ­deliberate attempt to break the victim’s arm,” the spokesman said.

Students at Ballina High School took to social media to defend the school following the incident.

Year 12 student Shoni Reilly posted on the Northern Star’s Facebook page that the behaviour of James’ attacker was not the fault of the school or its teachers.

“The acting principals and teachers at Ballina High have the best interests of all children at heart,” she wrote.

Ballina High School has denied any issues with bullying. Picture: Google Maps Source: Supplied

“They can’t physically control the actions of each student and their actions in response to this incident would follow the precedent set for all students.”

School captain John Parker posted that teachers had warned students against playing football.

“If you believe the school has not given this ‘attacker’ long enough, don’t blame the school when they can only interpret the rulings regarding these actions that are given to them from higher up,” he wrote.

“Ballina High School is a fantastic school, with great facilities, great teachers and great systems of working things.”