Mother charged after alleged recording device was sewn into son’s school clothing

Gippsland mother Skye Cooper has been charged after allegedly placing a recording device in her non-verbal seven-year-old son’s school clothing. She says she acted after he became distressed about attending school and after she noticed bruising, while the aide named in an audio recording later issued a written apology.

Gippsland mother Skye Cooper has been charged after allegedly sewing a recording device into the clothing of her seven-year-old son, who is non-verbal and has severe epilepsy, autism level three, global development delay and severe language delay.

According to ABC News, Cooper said her son began attending Churchill Primary School in February 2025 but became increasingly distressed after about a month. She said he refused to leave the car during the morning school run, screamed and begged her to stay, and would not be left with anyone other than her. She also said he returned home one day with what appeared to be bruising on his arm.

Cooper told ABC News that she raised her concerns in several meetings with the school but did not believe they were addressed. After seeking advice from disability advocate Julie Phillips, she placed a recording device in her son’s clothes and listened to the audio each night. Cooper said she then heard an aide tell her son, “you hurt me, I’ll hurt you.”

Cooper withdrew her son from the school and reported the alleged recording to police. She has since been charged with an offence described as Regulation of Installation, Use and Maintenance of a Listening Device. Cooper said she was shocked that the situation had resulted in charges, telling ABC News that she had been trying to protect her child. She is receiving legal advice and deciding whether to contest the charges.

ABC News reported that police told Cooper she would avoid a criminal record if she admitted the charges and donated $300 to a suitable charity. The report did not state whether she had accepted that option.

The aide later sent Cooper a written apology, saying she did not specifically recall the exchange but was extremely remorseful that such a statement had been made. The aide said she took responsibility for the language and acknowledged that it was inappropriate, while saying it was not intended as a threat or literal statement.

Phillips told ABC News she would still recommend recording devices in similar circumstances, although she warned of possible consequences. She said the Disability Workers Commission was investigating the issue. Cooper has also begun a petition seeking the aide’s removal and changes to the Surveillance Devices Act.