By Derek Schlennstedt
GRAPHIC images of female students from Lilydale High School are reportedly being shared on an international pornographic website, where users can view and upload sexually explicit images.
Of the 70 Australian schools mentioned in the report, 16 were Victorian schools.
The site is believed to have targeted students from Lilydale High School, Ringwood Secondary College and Norwood Secondary College.
The website reportedly contains photos of the victims and details, such as their full name and home address, as well as giving users the option to find girls, depending on their school and location.
A spokesperson for the Victorian Department of Education confirmed they are providing support for those affected and are assisting police with their investigation.
“It is disgraceful to see Victorian students being targeted by this highly inappropriate website,” the spokesperson said.
“The online exploitation of young people is a very serious issue that can have serious ramifications for those involved.
“The department is assisting police with their inquiries.
“We are working with the schools affected to ensure support is available for any students or staff who may need it.”
So far, thousands of explicit images of nude schoolgirls have been reportedly uploaded to the pornographic swap-meet site.
Lilydale High, Norwood Secondary and Ringwood Secondary School, whose students were reportedly featured on the website, said in a joint statement they would be revisiting their cyber-safety programs and focusing on teaching students the importance of respectful relationships.
“We run a range of school programs designed to teach students about respectful relationships, cyber-safety and to help them respond to unacceptable online behaviour,” the statement read.
“We will be revisiting these programs with students in coming weeks.”
The Lilydale, Norwood and Ringwood schools said they are concerned about the safety and well-being of their students and are offering support for students and families that have been involved.
“The safety and well-being of students is our top priority, and we have been working with staff to ensure support is available for any affected students and their families,” the statement read.
All schools are assisting police with the ongoing investigation.
