Teen boy charged over ‘vile’ ranking of schoolgirls on social media
A teenager accused of a “vile and disgusting” social media post ranking female high school students has been charged.
The 17-year-old Coomera boy was arrested three weeks after the incident was reported to police.
The post reportedly ranked Gold Coast students into offensive categories including: “abduction material”, “one night stand”, “average”, “preorder” and “unrapeable”.
The post about Foxwell State Secondary College students occurred after a similar incident at a Victorian school that led to student suspensions.
A Queensland Education Department investigation indicated the post about the Gold Coast students was not made by a member of the Coomera school community.
Queensland Premier Steven Miles raised his concerns about the “scourge of social media” when the incident was raised last month, labelling the post “vile and disgusting”.
Police Senior Sergeant Greg Aubort said the incident highlighted the consequences of online intimidation and harassment.
He hoped it served as a reminder to be responsible online.
“Police urge the community to remain vigilant and report any instances of cyberbullying or online harassment,” Aubort said on Wednesday.
“Such behaviour not only affects the well-being of individuals but also carries significant legal ramifications.”
The 17-year-old has been charged with three counts of using a carriage service to menace, harass, or cause offence.