The theory that conflict breeds more conflict was exemplified in the legislature Wednesday, when a question about high school "fight nights” had representatives trying to shout each other down.

In a question addressed to Justice Minister Marian Horne, Liberal MLA Don Inverarity announced: "Students at Yukon schools are taking part in prearranged fight-nights for entertainment purposes.

"These are not unorganized school-yard scuffles or private disputes; these are planned events, after hours, both on and off school grounds; and they are designed to draw crowds of their fellow students. Videos of these fights are even being posted on YouTube and on-line.”

There are at least six such videos currently posted on YouTube, the popular video-sharing website, all depicting what appear to be high-school aged boys in one-on-one fights.

Most of the struggles are being watched by a crowd of spectators, who can be seen snapping photos and calling out encouragement.

In at least one clip, the boys are equipped with gloves typically used in mixed martial arts fights. In all of the clips, the various boys can be seen punching and kneeing each other in the head, and using choke holds.

"Children are in danger, and we need to do something about this,” Inverarity said in the legislature. "Is the Minister of Justice aware of these fight nights?”

His question provoked a dramatic reaction from Education Minister Patrick Rouble, who jumped to his feet, and practically shouted his response.

"This is a very serious issue that has just been brought to the floor of this assembly,” a clearly emotional Rouble said.

"I will certainly look into this. If there's any validity to this, we will immediately take steps in the Department of Education to address this.

"I just have a word for the member opposite: if he sees things like this, don't wait until question period to put a stop to it. Take a stand and bring an end to this immediately.

"To make this a political issue and get up and grandstand about this as opposed to taking immediate action and stop it ....”

He was cut off by at least three Liberal members who all stood to have Rouble called out of order.

The Education minister quickly apologized for accusing Inverarity of grandstanding, but the discussion continued at the same emotional pitch.

By the end of the exchange, it was clear neither Horne nor Rouble had heard of nor seen the videos, but both promised to look into the matter.

Speaking to the Star after question period Wednesday, Inverarity said the videos had been brought to his attention by a Whitehorse high school student.

"They were concerned,” he said of why the student contacted him.

"One of the concerns was that older students were trying to convince younger students to get into this, and that they would be doing it because they were pressured, not because they consented.”

After the issue was raised in the office, Inverarity said one Liberal staffer reported seeing what looked like an organized fight on the Vanier Catholic Secondary School grounds.

Inverarity said he had not spoken to the RCMP about the incident because he only just learned of it, and brought it up in the legislature as quickly as possible.

He admitted, however, that a solution will have to come from citizens first.

"I think it's a community problem. Parents need to ask their children if they are involved in this kind of behaviour. It needs to be community driven ... but I think the government has to stand up and support it.

"They can't just stand by and do nothing.”