NSW government calls urgent talks after spate of alleged teen sexual assaults

New South Wales Education Minister Prue Car has called for an urgent roundtable involving public, Catholic, and independent school leaders following a series of alleged sexual assaults involving teenage students in Sydney.

In one case, three students from Scots College, aged 13 and 14, appeared in a children’s court charged with aggravated sexual assault following an alleged attack on a 14-year-old girl in Bondi Junction. Judge Sue Duncombe noted that the accused have already faced online repercussions and identity leaks. The students were granted police bail under strict conditions, including curfews and social media restrictions.

A separate incident involved three 17-year-old boys, including students from St Gregory’s College, who were arrested for the alleged gang rape of a 17-year-old girl in the Macarthur region. Police are also investigating reports of underage drinking at a local venue related to the incident.

Activists and experts, including Chanel Contos, have highlighted the role of misogynistic online content and algorithms in radicalizing young men. The government summit will include input from the eSafety Commissioner to address these systemic issues and improve consent education.