Dear parents and Carers,
This week Detective Sergeant Matt Symonds and Senior Constable Laurie Bateman spoke to all students about the filming, sending and storage of images on mobile devices. I ask all parents/carers to have a conversation with their children about the responsible use of phones. The aim is to keep everyone safe. Please see the key points the Police conveyed to the students below;
- Charleville Police are currently holding an investigation into the possession of, and unauthorised sharing of, intimate images involving students at the school. These are criminal offences in contravention of s.228C and s.228D of the Queensland Criminal Code and are offences punishable by a maximum penalty of 14 years imprisonment each.
- These offences also apply where students have filmed a school fight and then shared videos or pictures of such fights.
- Any person currently in possession of any such images or videos are advised to delete them immediately. The local police will be considering search warrants in relation to any people suspected of being in possession of such images. If located in possession of these images and videos, police will take action which could result in the seizure of their phone or device, and then a formal caution or arrest and appearance before the local Magistrates court.
- Parents and care givers are encouraged to have conversations with students in their care regarding responsible use of mobile devices, and to promote awareness around possession of videos and images which constitute criminal offences.
- All future complaints will result in police investigations and action taken against persons found to be offending, irrespective of their age. Offences can be reported to any teacher, the school office, the police or through Crime Stoppers (1800 333 000).
I appreciate your help in this matter and if you have any further questions, please phone 4656 8888 to discuss with myself or a member of the leadership team.
Regards
Craig Law
Principal Charleville State High School