In recent years, school safety has become a growing concern, with social media platforms playing a major role in spreading threats, especially those related to school shootings.

The anonymity, wide accessibility, and real-time communication offered by platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, and others have made them prime avenues for harmful behavior. As a result, educators, law enforcement, and parents face increasing challenges in addressing and preventing these threats, which have increased in both frequency and severity.

The Washoe County School District saw an increase in the number of arrests related to school threats during the 2023-2024 school year.

“We’ve made three arrests this year for separate incidents and the school year isn’t even over. Last year, we only had two,” said Tracy Moore, police chief for the Washoe County School District.

In October, two Washoe County students under the age of 15 were arrested for making terroristic threats on social media platforms, including Instagram and Snapchat.

These arrests come amid a disturbing trend reported nationwide. According to *The New York Times* and *Campus Safety Magazine*, threats of school shootings have increased after the deadly shooting at the Appalachia school outside Atlanta, Georgia. The attack left four people dead and the suspect, 14-year-old Colton Gray, along with his father, were arrested.

The national attention generated by the case led to a significant increase in threats across the country, with dozens of school districts reporting similar incidents.

Moore acknowledged the growing trend, stressing the importance of vigilance in preventing violence.

“We are working with the FBI and social media platforms to track down the students behind these threats. Many of these threats are made on Sundays and we often receive anonymous tips that help us intervene before Monday morning,” Moore said.

The issue of school shootings and threats has also become a focal point for political leaders. Vice President-elect JD Vance and opposition Governor Tim Walz debated the topic during their recent vice presidential debate, discussing the role of law enforcement and gun safety measures in response to growing concern about school violence.

The Washoe County School District is taking proactive steps to address the problem, although there is no one-size-fits-all solution. The district implemented measures such as education and awareness programs, enhanced monitoring and anonymous reporting systems such as Safe Voice, which was key in identifying suspects.

Because of Nevada laws protecting the privacy of minors, the district cannot release specific details about the consequences students face. However, Officer Moore explained that students arrested for such threats are often referred to support programs designed to help them understand the legal and emotional impact of their actions.