PASCO COUNTY, Fla. – Pasco County Superintendent of Schools, Kurt Browning, has issued a statement addressing the alarming increase in social media threats against schools within the district.
In the past two weeks alone, nearly 20 threats have been made, resulting in the arrest of two students and two other individuals for irresponsible firearm use near a school.
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Superintendent Browning emphasized that these threats disrupt learning, create a sense of fear, and have serious consequences for everyone involved. He urged parents to have open conversations with their children about the severity of making threats, even in jest, and encouraged them to report any concerning online behavior.
“Many of these threats were amplified by students sharing rumors online,” Browning stated. “It’s crucial that students share concerning posts with adults, not their peers.”
Read: Gulf Middle School Resumes Normal Operations After No Threat Found: Pasco Sheriff
In light of recent events, including a tragic shooting in Georgia, Browning stressed the importance of community collaboration in maintaining school safety. The Pasco County School Safety and Security team takes every threat seriously, but parent and student involvement is vital in preventing the spread of harmful messages.
“We need your help to stop these threats,” Browning pleaded. “Together, we can ensure a safe and secure learning environment for all our students.”
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