What happens to students who make online threats? - WLOX.com - The News for South Mississippi

What happens to students who make online threats?

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WARREN COUNTY, MS (Mississippi News Now) -

From bomb scares to threatening notes aimed at administrative personnel, social media continues to be at the forefront when it comes to children making threats to school.

"It affects everybody. The students, the faculty, everybody in the community. It shouldn't happen," said Warren Central High School Resource Officer Joseph Bell.

Incidents at Hazlehurst High School, Magee High School and most recently a scare at Warren Central had police, staff and students at the edge of their seats.

"There had been some Facebook comments about the possible threats to Warren Central High School," said Warren Central High School Principal Jamie Creel.

Thankfully all were pranks, but recent events like these bring up the question: What happens to students who are the online culprits?

"It will not be taken lightly. Any threats made against any of our kids will all be severe punishable events," Creel said.

Creel said these matters are taken extremely serious and juveniles responsible will face the maximum penalty and even time behind bars.

"It would certainly be a level four offense, which is the highest offense in our school district. Which requires an automatic nine-day suspension," Creel said.

"Suspension from school, hearing with the board and jail time. He will definitely be arrested," Bell added.

Bell said the school will continue to do all in its power to keep children safe but prevention starts in the home.

"As a parent, we need to pay more attention to what our kids are doing online with social media. It's a silly act and should never take place," Bell said.

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