District Urges 'Social Media' Vigilance After Threat To School

NEW ROCHELLE, NY — School officials say that a social media threat against Albert Leonard Middle School on Tuesday did not disrupt classes.

"I am writing to inform you that there was a message on social media from a student threatening to carry out an act of violence at Albert Leonard Middle School," Albert Leonard Middle School Principal Camille Edwards-Thomas wrote in a message to students and families. "Today’s school session remains on schedule."

The school alerted the New Rochelle Police Department and investigators determined that the threat was "not credible." The district's chief, however, is warning families that social media is becoming an increasingly disruptive force in the classroom.

"Our school district takes immediate action to respond to any threat, real or perceived, because nothing is more important than the safety and health of our school district community," Superintendent Jonathan Raymond. "That level of caring inspires my letter to you today. We are requesting our community’s assistance in providing important guidance and education about social media, as well as vigilance in monitoring our youths’ social media activity."

Raymond added that social media posts can cause extreme worry, noting that kids today have access to a world online that did not exist just a few years ago. Saying that he understands that this "ever-transforming and expanding world" can be complex to navigate for parents and guardians, Raymond asked that families follow a few key rules of thumb:

• Discuss with your child the consequences of posting inappropriate content or threats on social media. It is important to emphasize that everything on social media can quickly become public, even if shared only with one other person.
• Alert your child’s school and law enforcement if you or your children see a post of potential concern.
• Monitor your child’s online and social media behavior and have open, positive conversations with them.

This isn't the first time in recent weeks that social media's influence has caused headaches for New Rochelle school faculty and administrators. In October, school officials asked for parents help tamping down a growing and destructive TikTok challenge trend. At the time, the district warned families about planned acts of "assault, sexual assault, indecent exposure, vandalism, theft, truancy and disrespectful behavior."

SEE ALSO: School Asks Families For Help Preventing TikTok Challenges