Students under near constant surveillance at Exclusive Brethren-linked schools, insiders claim

Allegations have surfaced that students, parents, and staff at the OneSchool Global (OSG) network, run by the Exclusive Brethren community, are subject to intense surveillance including outside school hours. 

Critics claim school-issued laptops are monitored by church members, with any lack of internet vigilance by parents reported to the church. 

OSG denies these claims, maintaining that their surveillance adheres to all Australian laws, including the Privacy Act, and that the church has no involvement in the process. 

This statement is contradicted by former staff and students, as well as school documents referring to "pastoral support".

OSG operates 31 campuses across Australia with 2,500 enrolled students. Globally, there are 120 campuses in 20 countries, all managed from Sydney. 

The network was created by the Brethren to provide an alternative to mainstream education for their children, with enrolment open to non-Brethren families if they respect the ethos. 

Computers and phones used within the church are supplied by the Brethren's business group, Universal Business Team (UBT), and are installed with UBT's 'Streamline3' software, enabling remote monitoring of internet and email use. Personal devices are usually not permitted. 'Student device monitors' voluntarily review and report on each student's internet activities. 

Guardian Australia has received claims that not only students but parents' internet use is also being monitored. 

OSG denies any intent to block searches around sexual orientation, suggesting its filtering system focuses on protecting students from harmful content. The school also maintains CCTV surveillance throughout its campuses, including classrooms and staff rooms.

- CyberBeat