The Tennessee Sheriff’s Association (TSA) is urging parents to monitor their children’s posts due to the increase in school threats being posted online and through social media.
In a recent press release from the group reads:
“One of the main goals of an Elected Sheriff is to provide quality public safety and ensure citizens feel secure in their surroundings. With the increased volume of school threats being made across the state of Tennessee, we want parents, students, and citizens to know that we will not tolerate anyone making threats and inciting fear within our schools and community. Those responsible will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Making threats of violence against a school is a class E felony offense TCA 38-16-517, which carries life-altering consequences”
The TSA continues to ask that the community report any suspicious behavior that might be threatening toward schools or public buildings and urges parents to monitor what their child is posting on social media platforms. They also encourage parents to talk to their children about the seriousness of making or even sharing threatening posts.
Sullivan County Sheriff Jeff Cassidy, President of the Tennessee Sheriff’s Association, sought to reassure the community about children’s safety in the classroom.
“We understand the frustration, stress, and fear communities across our state are dealing with, and we will continue to investigate every threat received in an effort to ensure the safety of our schools and all citizens,” says Sheriff Cassidy.
