A group chat run by students at an elite school in Sydney is being investigated by NSW police after messages were passed on to the media.
Police confirmed “specialist detectives” from the child abuse and crimes squad were reviewing material from the group who attend Knox Grammar school in Sydney’s north.
“Police will continue to review activity, make inquiries and will work with the school, parents and the e-safety commissioner in relation to any matters that arise,” police said in a statement.
It comes after parents at the school were told some students had posted “inappropriate images and engaged in offensive commentary in an online private chatroom”.
In a letter sent to parents, the headmaster, Scott James, said the nature of the posts was “contrary to the values and culture of Knox” and the actions of these students do not “reflect a Knox education”.
James also said that some of the images shared were taken during school activities and “later doctored”, adding that the school was discussing the matter with police.
“To be very clear, the doctored images do not require mandatory reporting under child protection requirements, and we have discussed the matter with police. The investigation is ongoing,” he said in the letter.
James said the boys involved were being “counselled”, suspended or were “leaving the school”.
“There has been a range of consequences for the students involved, based on the extent of their participation – from suspension to students leaving the school.
“All students involved have been counselled and have participated in lessons to reiterate the importance of respectful and appropriate behaviour as well as the impact of their choices.
“We take no pleasure in the action we have taken, but we believe we have found the right balance between upholding the values of this community and the need for consequences.”
Knox Grammar is one of the most exclusive schools in Sydney, with annual fees in excess of $30,000.
The group chat, on messaging app Discord, was shared with Daily Telegraph journalist Mark Mori, who wrote that he found the messages “next level”.
