Important Information

Key dates to remember

Wed 22nd Jun Senior Scl Info Night

Fri 24th Jun Last day of Term 2

Mon 11th Jul First day of Term 3

Tue 19th Jul Careers Expo

Thur 14th Jul Course Counselling Y10-11

Thur 21st Jul Course Counselling Y9-10

Wed 27th Jul Course Counselling Y8-9

Omegle Online Safety Concerns

The College has recently become aware that some students have been accessing an online chat website, Omegle both at school and at home. Whilst LSC has blocked access to the site, it appears students continue to use the site at through their own devices.

What is Omegle?

Omegle is a free, anonymous online chat site/mobile app, which is used for communication via messaging, online chat and video calling. These chat rooms are not moderated and there is no proof of identification of age required. Students may encounter explicit images, conversation, videos (prerecorded or live streaming), and other inappropriate content. The website does not have formal channels to report or block users who may use the site inappropriately.

Omegle is very popular with young people however it is no secret that there are predators online with the intent of exploiting minors - Omegle is one place where such people have been known to frequent.

There are significant safety concerns around students accessing this site. Authorities report that predators have been known to groom children and young people on Omegle by befriending them, possibly posing as someone else such as a child of a similar age. After gaining their trust, they may suggest taking their online chat or video call to a different platform, request explicit messages, images, or videos, or suggest that they meet in person.

Young people can often lack foresight or judgement and can inadvertently provide personal information such as name, age, school information (ie using camera while in school uniform), or address.

What can parents do?

Be involved and aware of what your child/ren is doing online and the sites that they may be accessing.
Have open and honest discussions about the safety concerns around using this site with your child/ren, and why it is not appropriate for use.
Use parental/safety controls on devices and home wifi to block access to the site (ie. Family Link).
There are further tips and advice on the eSafety Commission’s website. It may be helpful to go through the information via these links, with your child/ren and reiterate the concerns and warnings listed.

https://www.esafety.gov.au/key-issues/esafety-guide/omegle

https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents/skills-advice/taming-technology

REMINDER

Year 10 students are reminded to complete and return their Meningococcal Immunisation consent cards ASAP!.

Important Health Reminder