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The school principal accused of sending a ‘d*** photo’ had frequently warned students about the dangers of sexting just weeks before he was arrested.
- Perth principal Shayne Harris accused of sending ‘shitty photo’ to undercover police officer
- Veteran educator was accused of exposing a child to indecent things this week
- He allegedly sent two photos of his face before sending a photo of his genitals
- Harris warned students about the dangers of online predators in biweekly newsletters
A school principal accused of sending a ‘s*** picture’ to an undercover police officer posing as a teenage girl had frequently warned his students about the dangers of online predators.
Shayne Harris, 53, was sacked as principal of Aveley North Primary School, in the northern suburbs of Perth, this week after he was charged with exposing a child to indecent things and drug possession.
He is alleged to have used the username ‘Die Hard’ while in conversation with someone he believed to be a 14-year-old girl, Perth Magistrates Court heard on Thursday.
When the conversation continued on Google Chats, Harris is alleged to have posted two photos of his face before sending a photo of his genitalia.
The 53-year-old, who became the school’s principal in July, authorized biweekly newsletters urging parents to control how their children used the Internet.
Shayne Harris, 53, (pictured) was fired as principal at Aveley North Elementary School this week after he was charged with exposing a child to indecent things and drug possession.
In September, a newsletter warned that children who reveal too much detail about themselves online could attract predators, the Western Australia reports.
“Revealing this type of information can make them easy targets for online predators and others who could harm them,” the bulletin said.
“In fact, many children say that someone they didn’t know contacted them online in a way that made them feel scared or uncomfortable.”
In December, the newsletter highlighted the Omegle website, a popular video chat site, and asked students to avoid using it.
“It has come to our attention that some students are talking to or perhaps using this website to talk to strangers,” he said.
‘We strongly discourage student use.’
In a newsletter published in August, students were asked to consider the type of content they were posting online.
“Every time you’re online, you’re potentially talking to an unlimited audience, even if you think your conversations are private,” it said.
On Thursday, the WA Department of Education called for the longtime educator to be removed as principal of Aveley North (pictured) over the “incredibly serious” allegations.
Mr Harris faced Perth Magistrates Court (pictured) on charges of exposing a child to indecent affair and drug possession. He was granted bail with strict conditions and will face court next month.
“Taking a few minutes to think about the content you post could prevent embarrassment, embarrassment, and even potential legal action or police involvement.”
Police raided the director’s home on Wednesday, where officers allegedly discovered cannabis and drug paraphernalia.
He was arrested and charged with exposing a child to indecent things and drug possession and was released on bail on Thursday, on the condition that he surrender his passport, not leave the state and give access to his internet devices.
Harris’ defense attorney cited the principal’s clean criminal record and extensive career as a principal and teacher in his counterargument.
On Thursday, the WA Department of Education called for the long-time educator to be removed immediately over the “incredibly serious” allegations.
“We expect the highest standards of behavior from all school personnel at all times, especially our school leaders,” said Acting CEO Melesha Sands.