INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — The Indian River County School District is tackling the issue of fake threats by releasing a public service announcement video, which was presented Tuesday at the regular School Board meeting.
“Unfortunately, throughout the country, students making ‘fake’ or ‘unfounded’ threats against schools or individuals within schools is increasing,” the District said in its announcement of the PSA video. “Using social media, text messages, making comments in public, and even comments made among friends, that are threatening in nature, can be a single poor decision that will impact the rest of a young person’s life.”
The video is meant to convey the message that all threats – even fake ones – can result in real consequences. They are not jokes.
“Teachers, administrators, coaches, peers, and our community are vigilantly listening,” the District said. “The safety of our students and staff members is our number one priority, and we are blessed to have the support of our local law enforcement agencies, and our SROs who are on every campus every day keeping our students and staff members safe.”
The District is asking families to join in the partnership at home and talk to their students about the seriousness of making such threats and using social media in a responsible way.
“Through the School District’s well-organized partnership with local law enforcement, every threat is taken seriously, and thoroughly investigated,” said School Board Chair Laura Zorc. “We want to ensure that every student understands the serious consequences attached to pranks. Across the state, we are seeing the harsh reality of students faced with legal ramifications from what was said to be ‘a joke.’ We cherish every student, and when it comes to safety, we aren’t taking any chances.”
To view the video, visit: https://youtu.be/psfmmfh50pg