At Gladstone Park Secondary College, images of Year 10 students taken during their school formal were reportedly manipulated inappropriately and shared online. These alterations involved sexually explicit content and predominantly affected over 20 female students. In response, a 16-year-old boy has been arrested, and police are investigating the incident, which has raised significant concerns due to its disturbing nature.
Sergeant Simon Garner indicated that police are trying to reach out to two suspended students linked to this matter to gather more information. A search warrant was executed in the Hume area, leading to questioning of a teenager, who has since been released while inquiries continue. The investigation aims to ascertain how many students were affected.
Principal Veronica Hoy condemned the incident in an email to parents, labelling it as “misogynistic and disrespectful”. A spokesperson for the Department of Education echoed this sentiment, emphasising that such behaviour is unacceptable in Victorian schools. Law enforcement is committed to ongoing inquiries to address the situation and ensure accountability.