Ex-student may be involved in Bacchus Marsh Grammar AI fake nude scandal

A former Bacchus Marsh Grammar student is believed to be involved in the AI fake nude photo scandal involving doctored explicit images of about 50 girls which were shared on social media.

A former Bacchus Marsh Grammar student is believed to be involved in the AI nude photo scandal that engulfed the school community after doctored images of pupils were shared on social media.

Multiple sources have told the Herald Sun a student who left the school last year is being investigated as police probe why 50 female students in years nine to 12 had their identities used in explicit photos.

Victoria Police confirmed on Wednesday its investigations into the incident remained ongoing and it had released the teenager they arrested on Tuesday pending further inquiries.

But in the school’s latest statement, acting principal Kevin Richardson said Victoria Police had not provided any updates to the school and could not provide further comments.

“Media reports indicate that a teenage boy has been arrested in relation to this matter, however, at this stage the school has not been contacted by Victoria Police with an update,” he said.

“As the matter is currently with Victoria Police, Bacchus Marsh Grammar will not be making any further public comment at this time and request that the school’s privacy and wellbeing of students be respected.”

Furious school parents have vented their frustrations over the incident. Picture: Supplied

Furious school parents have vented their frustrations over the incident, with some calling on the elite private college to incorporate more cyber-safety and respect classes into its lessons.

“I hope the school will do some education and awareness so the kids can become aware of how to deal with social media crimes,” a mother of a grade four student said.

Another source said irate parents moved into “pastoral care mode” as they tried to console those who were impacted by the incident, especially students undertaking exams.

“There’s a mum WhatsApp group that’s been set up and the girls involved are supporting each other as best as they can,” they said.

Parents have also admitted to changing their own social media habits following the incident, with one mum sharing she doesn’t feel safe posting photos of her child.

“I try not to post school-related photos because I don’t know who could take the photos and maybe morph them,” she said.

A parent from the school says the girls involved are ‘supporting each other as best as they can’. Picture: iStock

Kids First Australia prevention and recovery general manager Jackie Bateman said a lack of digital literacy and incomprehensive sex and consent education was driving students to interact with technology to explore their sexual interests.

“Young people are commonly curious about sexual content and may seek out or share explicit material as a means of exploring their own sexual identities and boundaries,” she said.

“AI-generated deep fakes present an allure to thrillseeking young people; sharing explicit content can be seen as a way to gain acceptance, status, or approval from peers.

“Many young people are not adequately informed about the ethical, legal, and emotional consequences of sharing explicit content such as ‘deepfakes’ …(and) don’t fully grasp the potential harm to themselves and others.”

According to Bacchus Marsh Grammar’s Student Acceptable Online Usage Policy, students should not communicate, public, or post material on the internet that denigrates members of the school community, general public or may damage the school’s reputation.

“Students may not alter, distort, or otherwise tamper with online material without the approval of the School,” the policy said.

“Issues that involve potential illegality will be reported to the appropriate authorities.”