Juvenile charged after social media threats disrupt Loganville Middle School |
Sheriff Keith Brooks urges parents to monitor their children’s online activity and warns they may also face accountability |
LOGANVILLE, Ga. — A juvenile has been charged following an investigation into social media threats involving students at Loganville Middle School, according to the Walton County Sheriff’s Office.
The threats were reportedly made Wednesday evening by several juveniles through social media. Investigators from the sheriff’s Criminal Investigations Division and Youth Services Division responded to the incident.
The juvenile who was charged and the juvenile’s parent were escorted to Juvenile Court and turned over to court officials. Because the person charged is a minor, authorities did not release a name or details about the specific charge.
The incident caused significant concern among local families. Approximately 30% of Loganville Middle School students were absent following the threats, disrupting classes and other instructional activities.
Walton County Sheriff Keith Brooks said threats against students, employees or school campuses will be investigated thoroughly, regardless of whether they are made online or in person.
Brooks emphasized that the Walton County Sheriff’s Office and Walton County School District have zero tolerance for threats of violence. He said comments intended as jokes, pranks or statements made in anger can still cause fear throughout a school community and carry serious consequences.
The sheriff also called on parents to speak with their children about responsible use of social media, messaging applications and other electronic devices. He encouraged parents to monitor what their children post, share and communicate online.
Brooks warned that accountability may extend beyond the child responsible for making a threat.
Parents should know what their children are doing and saying online and make sure they understand that their words and actions have consequences, the sheriff said.
The investigation began after authorities learned of a social media post involving a potential threat against Loganville Middle School on Wednesday, Sept. 9. The sheriff’s office announced that evening that deputies were actively investigating the matter and following established school-safety protocols.
An increased law-enforcement presence was placed at the school the following morning as a precaution and to assist administrators in maintaining a safe environment for students and staff.
Authorities continue to encourage students who see or hear anything concerning to notify a trusted adult immediately or submit information through the Walton County School District’s Safe Campus Rewards Program. Officials said prompt reporting allows school administrators and law enforcement officers to investigate potential threats quickly. |
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Important reminder to keep checking your kids' devices. You really just never know.
I'm a teacher and this kind of threat disrupts way more than just one day. Hope students can get back on track quick.
Thank you for sharing your perspective, it’s true that the impact of threats like these can linger, and we hope classes and routines return to normal soon.
Too many people joke around online like it's nothing. Maybe this incident will make kids think twice.
It isn't just the school, every parent should talk to their child about responsibility online. Starts at home.
Glad the Safe Campus Rewards program is there but not all kids feel safe reporting stuff. Needs work.
Back in my day we didn't have to deal with these types of online problems. Parenting was simpler.
What about the other students who made threats? Only one charged? Sounds like more was going on.
Kids think they're being funny until real consequences happen. They learn the hard way.
Absolutely, the article underscores that even jokes or pranks online can have serious consequences for everyone involved.
Glad nobody was hurt. The sheriffs did the right thing upping their presence at the school.
We're grateful, too, the sheriff’s office placed extra deputies at the school for everyone’s peace of mind and safety.
Leah MendezI totally agree. Seeing more patrol cars there made me feel better dropping my son off that morning.
I wish parents would watch what their kids do on social media. Too easy for things to get out of control.
We agree, Sheriff Brooks emphasized in the article that parents play a key role in keeping students safe by monitoring online behavior.
Todd M.I see a lot of parents just hand over a phone and walk away. We have to stay on top of it and talk to our kids about what’s ok and what’s not.
I keep telling my kids, what you post online isn't just a joke. Stuff like this can ruin lives.
Jessie_LynnThat’s so true. Kids don’t always realize their posts can follow them for years and get them in real trouble.
30% absent? That is a huge number. Shows how worried families were.
It was indeed a significant number, about 30% absent the day after the threats, highlighting just how seriously families took the situation.
These online threats are getting out of hand. I'm glad the sheriff is taking it seriously.
Sandra B.Yeah, lots of these threats turn out as pranks but you can’t ever know. Taking action right away is the only way to keep schools safe.