Authorities say parents should monitor their child’s social media

People have been on high-alert regarding school-related social media threats since the Florida shooting.

Columbia Public Schools told ABC 17 that the 13-year-old that was taken into custody on Saturday was not only due to a song post, it was a series of posts that led the school and law enforcement to believe it could be a threat.

ABC 17 met with Columbia and Jefferson City Public Schools who said they are actively teaching students about what it means to be a good “digital citizen.” Both school districts ask parents for their help to reinforce what they are learning when they are not on campus.

The Director of Community Relations of Columbia Public Schools, Michelle Baumstark, said “if they have a question in their mind about whether or not it’s appropriate to post, don’t post it, talk about it with an adult about what you want to share with others.”

Tracy Perkins, a detective from Boone County Sheriff’s Department told us that it could be a red flag if a child does not want to share their social media with their parents. She says it is important for parents to follow their gut, be proactive and not reactive if they see red flags. She says it is important for parents to talk about laws with their children; it teaches them awareness.

She said, “if you don’t understand what a particular law means, you need to “Google them,” find out because then you need to have those conversations.”

Columbia Schools are having their safety and security training on March 22, 2018. They are actively encouraging students and parents if they see something, to say something.