Briefs

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Keeping kids safe online

The state government is launching community consultation on age limits for social media, with the findings set to shape a new social media education program to keep kids safe online. The online survey gives parents, teachers and young people the opportunity to share their experiences and concerns about social media use. Findings from this consultation process will then shape a new social media safety program – Safe Socials. The program will be delivered in schools as a resource for students, teachers and families about how to live with social media. The survey at engage.vic.gov.au/safesocials will be open until November 1, with groups able to participate.

Carjacking

Police have charged three teens in relation to an alleged carjacking in Altona Meadows that occurred at about 12.30am on Saturday, October 12. Police allege that the trio confronted a 51-year-old Point Cook man in a car park on Central Avenue before he attempted to seek safety in his Toyota Rav4. It is believed one offender climbed into the front seat of the Toyota, while a second offender jumped into the back seat and made demands for the victim’s phone, car keys and cash. The first offender allegedly struck the victim with a hammer before the victim escaped the vehicle. The three offenders allegedly fled the scene in the Toyota towards Queen Street before crashing into a fence on Honeysuckle Court in Altona Meadows.

Police arrested three youths sometime later, searched the Toyota and seized a hammer and two edged weapons. A 15-year-old Hoppers Crossing boy, a 15-year-old Altona Meadows boy and a 14-year-old Altona Meadows boy were each charged with aggravated carjacking, attempted armed robbery and traffic offences.