HARRISBURG, PA — As the 2024-2025 school year progresses, Pennsylvania is witnessing an alarming rise in reports of school-based threats, many of which are attributed to false alarms proliferated through social media. State leaders, including Attorney General Michelle Henry, Lt. Gov. Austin Davis, Pennsylvania Secretary of Education Dr. Khalid N. Mumin, and Pennsylvania State Police Commissioner Colonel Christopher Paris, have come together to address these concerns and guide communities on handling such incidents.
The Safe2Say Something program, an initiative by the Office of Attorney General, has seen a significant uptick in reports, with a 50 percent increase in tips since the school year began. While the program is crucial for identifying potential threats, many tips pertain to false threats circulated online, straining resources and impacting school safety efforts.
Attorney General Michelle Henry emphasized the serious consequences of false reporting, stating, “Intentional false reports traumatize other students and school communities at large, while hampering overall efforts to keep schools and students safe from real threats of violence.” She urged students to seek help and report genuine concerns rather than using threats as a means to disrupt school operations.
Lt. Gov. Austin Davis, in his role as Chairman for the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, highlighted the importance of open communication between students and trusted adults. He noted, “Every Pennsylvania kid deserves to be safe and feel safe in their community. It’s crucial for parents to talk to our kids about what they’re hearing at school and seeing online.”
The Pennsylvania State Police, led by Col. Christopher Paris, is actively involved in assessing threats, treating each report as a credible risk. Paris mentioned that false threats are often distinguishable by their vague nature, origins from unknown sources, or generic content. He advised parents to discuss social media use with their children and the severe implications of making threats.
Dr. Khalid N. Mumin, Secretary of Education, encouraged students to utilize resources like Safe2Say Something for reporting genuine concerns. “Tools like Safe2Say Something enable educators and counselors to intervene and help students struggling with their mental health, preventing tragedy and ensuring the health and safety of the entire school community,” Mumin explained.
The Safe2Say Something program remains a vital tool in safeguarding Pennsylvania’s schools, having facilitated the seizure of over 125 weapons since its inception in 2019. The initiative is reinforced by the recent introduction of the Information and Media Literacy Toolkit by the Shapiro Administration, aimed at equipping educators and students with skills to discern factual information.
As Pennsylvania navigates this challenging landscape, the collective efforts of state officials and educational institutions are crucial in maintaining school safety and fostering trust within communities. The emphasis on accurate reporting and education underscores a commitment to protecting the welfare of students and ensuring a secure learning environment.
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