Deputy Principal

Helping Young People Stay Safe Online: Anonymous Chat Sites

Over the past few weeks, the College has become aware of some students, particularly within our younger year levels, searching for ‘anonymous online chat’, ’chat with strangers’ and similar phrases. These searches can quickly lead young people to websites and apps that connect them with complete strangers anywhere in the world through text, voice or video conversations.

While many students are simply curious and may not fully understand the risks involved, we wanted to share some important information with families and encourage ongoing conversations about online safety at home.

Australian Federal Police have advised schools to remain vigilant about these platforms due to the significant risks they can present to children and young people.

Sites such as Omegle (which ceased operation in 2023 but has since been replicated through numerous copycat websites),  ‘Chat with Strangers’, and other anonymous chat services are specifically designed to connect people who do not know each other. Unlike most social media platforms, these sites often have limited age verification processes and can expose children to inappropriate content and interactions with adults. The eSafety Commissioner notes that children can be exposed to unwanted contact, grooming attempts, sexualised conversations, explicit content, scams and other harmful interactions when communicating with strangers online. [esafety.gov.au]

One of the challenges for families is that a student's internet history may not always tell the full story. Sometimes a child arrives at these sites out of curiosity, through a social media trend, a link shared by a friend, or simply by searching a phrase online. While discovering evidence of these searches can understandably trigger concern or alarm, we encourage parents and carers to approach the situation with an open mind and an open heart.

Children are often far more likely to seek support when they feel safe from immediate judgement or punishment. Instead of beginning with accusations or assumptions, consider starting a conversation with questions such as:

• "Can you tell me what you were looking for?"
• "How did you find that site?"
• "Did anything make you feel uncomfortable?"
• "Has anyone ever asked you for personal information, photos, or to continue a conversation somewhere else?"

These conversations provide valuable opportunities to reinforce important messages about online safety.

We also encourage families to regularly check devices, browser histories and version histories where appropriate. Many parents are unaware that version histories, browser histories and activity logs can sometimes provide useful insights into a student's online activity. If something concerning is discovered, use it as an opportunity for discussion rather than immediately focusing on consequences.

The most effective protection for children remains a combination of supervision, open communication and ongoing education. Young people need to know that if they encounter something upsetting, confusing or inappropriate online, they can come to a trusted adult without fear of getting into trouble.

For families wishing to learn more about online safety, we strongly recommend the following resources from the Australian Federal Police and the eSafety Commissioner:

• Think U Know resources for parents: Resources | ThinkUKnow
• Child Grooming: Child Grooming and Unwanted Contact [esafety.gov.au]
• A site for parents: Parents | eSafety Commissioner
• Device Control advice: Parental controls | How to keep your child safe

Thank you for partnering with us to help keep our students safe online. By maintaining open conversations and staying informed about emerging online risks, together we can support our young people to make safe and responsible choices in the digital world.

Every blessing,

Michelle Licina

Deputy Principal Student Development & Wellbeing