BBC Snapchat scandal: Everything we know including what parents, police said

One of Queensland’s most elite private schools has been engulfed in a scandal, with allegations of “very graphic” images being shared. WHAT WE KNOW SO FAR

Brisbane Boys College in Toowong. Picture: Tara Croser

Elite school Brisbane Boys’ College has been engulfed in a Snapchat scandal, with allegations of “very graphic” images being shared.

This is everything we know so far >>>

What is the timeline of events?

Students shared “allegedly serious and potentially illegal” nude content in a group chat on social media, in an incident that sparked a police investigation.

The disturbing act prompted BBC headmaster Andre Casson to confirm to parents on Friday afternoon that the school had been contacted by parents concerned about “inappropriate and troubling material” being posted to a Snapchat group.

It is understood it involves two nude children who appear to be in their early teens. There are possibly images of younger children but detectives still need to investigate.

The school sent the letter to parents after The Courier-Mail made inquiries about the Snapchat group.

“We have also been made aware that this matter may feature in the media in the coming days,” the letter said.

A day later a parent disclosed details of the content shared to a group chat by students including alleged child pornography and “very graphic” images of a dead person.

BBC headmaster Andre Casson has confirmed the school had been contacted by parents in relation to “inappropriate: material. Picture: Facebook

What was in the Snapchat messages?

A parent revealed shock details of the content shared.

The parent, whose child was not in the group chat himself, said his friend was added and saw the content before immediately leaving the chat.

In text a number of text messages sent to his parent, the student said his friend was invited to a “messed up gc (group chat)” with things like horrific “gore rape of a child and other terrible things.”

The parent said they believe the material was “very graphic” and “the worst of the worst”, featuring a pre-pubescent girl allegedly getting “sadistically exploited and burned” and “very graphic” imagery of a dead person.

BBC has become embroiled in a Snapchat scandal.

“ … my understanding is that he saw the kind of level of child exploitation material that is illegal for anyone, not just like adult pornography,” the parent said.

The parent said they understood all students in the group chat were in year 10 at BBC.

“How did these kids even get access to this material?,” they said.

“In my mind, by the time you’re 15 or 16, you know how serious it is that’s why the criminal age is 14 … how have these kids got to the age of 15 and 16, and thought that that’s funny.”

What has BBC said about it?

Brisbane Boys’ College headmaster Andre Casson confirmed to parents on Friday afternoon that the school had been contacted by parents concerned about “inappropriate and troubling material” being posted to a Snapchat group.

“Earlier this week, BBC was contacted by parents regarding a Snapchat group created and managed by students in year 10,” Mr Casson wrote in the letter to parents.

“The college immediately commenced a fact-finding process looking into these concerns, during which we spoke with several students and their families.”

In the letter, Mr Casson said the college was made aware some of the content shared in the group was allegedly serious and potentially illegal.

BBC principal Andre Casson responded to the scandal. Picture: David Clark

“Upon discovering this, we immediately reported the matter to the police, who are now investigating.”

Mr Casson said the parents of the students who may have been involved in sharing these images had been informed.

“This is now a matter for police and we will provide any assistance required,” he said.

“Following the outcome of these investigations, appropriate action will be taken in accordance with BBC policies and values.”

Mr Casson described the situation as “confronting” but said the school was restricted on commenting on an ongoing police investigation.

“And we want to assure you that our staff are ready to help any students and families who require it. Our heads of year, heads of house and college counsellors are available to provide support as needed,” he said in the letter.

“Should you have any further information on this investigation, we request that you report these matters directly to the police.”

Mr Casson said the school would continue to work with its students to ensure they represented the college’s values and expectations.

What have police said about it?

A Queensland Police Service spokesman confirmed a report had not been made until May 22 in relation to “inappropriate images being shared on an online platform”.

“Detectives from the Inner West Child Protection Investigation Unit are investigating the matter. Anyone with information is urged to contact police,” the QPS spokesman said.

The scandal comes after two Brisbane Boys’ College students were charged after throwing an out-of-control party at an Airbnb, which was severely damaged, with more than 500 teenagers attending last month.

In September 2020, four BBC students were expelled for allegedly attacking a boy who they claimed had been sexting their female friends repeatedly, according to court documents.

Police are investigating the “potentially illegal” images.

What have parents said?

As the fierce Old Boys’ network closes ranks around Brisbane Boys’ College amid a Snapchat scandal, some current parents say they “feel sorry” for the students at the centre of the furore.

Another parent said while the alleged actions of the students concerned could not be condoned, social media “left all kids wide open to sharing inappropriate stuff”.

One parent, whose child was not in the group chat himself, said his friend was added and saw the content before immediately leaving the chat.

Several former students of the prestigious Toowong school have refused to comment on the matter, with one telling The Courier-Mail, “BBC is a great school and always will be”.

Meanwhile, a current parent said children were naïve in thinking social media wouldn’t “come back to bite them”.

“You’ve almost got to feel sorry for these kids … everything leaves a digital footprint.”

One parent said they felt the school’s letter sent out “did not allude to the gravity and depravity of what was in that chat.”

The parent said they understood those responsible for sharing the images were still in school this week after the group chat was made.

“The people that were the ringleaders, it’s my understanding they’re still enrolled and have continued to attend school up until May 23 with no indication that they have been suspended,” they said.

Parents have taken aim over the scandal.

“The course of action I would have expected from the school, given the seriousness of the allegations, would have been to immediately hand the issue over to QPS and suspend the alleged perpetrators immediately pending QPS’ investigation.”

The parent said they didn’t feel the seriousness of images described to them by their son were reflected in the tone of the letter.

“This is not just a normal other ‘Oh, yeah, boys will be boys,’ it’s not that,” they said.

“Apparently, they were sending death threats to other kids perceived to be ‘snitches’ on the school’s internal communications system,” they said.

The parent said they understood the perpetrators had a history of behavioural issues.

Originally published as BBC Snapchat scandal: Everything we know including what parents, police said