Several threats against schools on social media have alarmed the parents and students across Fairfax County Public Schools(FCPS). As online threats and school shootings have increased over the country, parents and students are reaching out to school leaders sharing different threatening posts circulating on multiple social media platforms.
“I am worried about [me] and my friends’ safety,” sophomore Shantanu Karthikeyan said. “I think it affects all of us who are going to school for education purposes.”
On Sept. 11, FCPS superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid sent an email to all parents regarding the online threats. While the email clarified the arrests happened in Alabama due to connection with threats directed toward Stanhope Elmore High School and Millbrook Middle School. It also answered possible questions and concerns that parents might have for school leaders or the superintendent, such as how to report threats posted online and resources that may help students and families who are struggling with these threats.
“I think the email really helped me and my parents to understand the situation,” sophomore Aiska Montratama said. “It [raised] awareness and helps us see not only the threats but also the bigger picture.”
While students are arrested in different parts of the country due to these online threats, it does not make much difference whether the threats made are true or not.
According to the Legislative Information System, a person in Virginia who knowingly communicates, in writing, including an electronically transmitted message that threatens to kill or harm a person and causes that person to fear for their safety, is guilty of a Class 6 felony.
“[Students] think it’s funny, they want to get out of class or school and that is very serious,” student resource officer Lane Leisey said. We definitely don’t take it lightly.”
While there are no specific social media threats against CHS, some schools in the Chantilly Pyramid have received online threats, including Rocky Run Middle School.
In case of a possible threat, the school administrators will implement the school crisis plan, which includes essential procedures, operations and assignments needed to prevent, manage and respond to a critical event. Additionally, strict disciplinary actions will be taken against the student who shared it with county police involvement.
“Whenever we have a concern about a threat we are going to work with our school security, our resource officer, Officer Leisey and all of the administrators to determine what impact the threat might have and what the next steps are,” principal Amy Goodloe said. “We take it very seriously.”
Dr. Reid recommended that parents should talk to their children about the appropriate use of social media and the consequences of these types of actions. Such situations can be challenging for students, parents and school staff. She also reminds parents that they should be in contact with the school counselors if their children are struggling with these rumors. The National Association of School Psychologists has a resource that can help parents and students identify when they are struggling and how to have difficult conversations with them about school violence.
“This is a sensitive issue,” Karthikeyan said. “I think it is important for people to know that there are people who can help.”
