(WHTM) — Pennsylvania has experienced a rise in school-based threats, resulting in numerous safety closures this year. Officials say the increase is largely attributed to false threats rapidly shared and reported on social media.

According to Pennsylvania Attorney General Michelle Henry, research shows students and other bystanders play a critical role in preventing school violence. State officials are encouraged by the widespread use of reporting tip channels, such as the Office of Attorney General’s Safe2Say Something program, but remind individuals who use the platform to only report credible threats.

Safe2Say administrators say they have received a 50% increase in tips, with many of them being false threats shared on social media.

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“It is certainly not a desired avenue of my office or law enforcement partners to criminally charge a student,” Attorney General Henry said. “However, 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. If you feel threatened or have witnessed an act or conversation that causes concern, or are struggling with your own mental health, by all means, seek help and report it . If you are looking to get a free day off school and scare your classmates, stop and think about the consequences.”

Officials say many fake threats are typically generic threats shared on social media with the intent of going viral and causing panic and alarm. Reshares of these non-specific posts can contribute to the spread of the false threat.

Lt. Gov. Austin Davis, Chairman of the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) and the School Safety and Security Committee, detailed the importance of sharing concerns about potential safety issues with parents and staff, how to identify information that is likely false, and the consequences of fake reports:

“Every Pennsylvania kid deserves to be safe and feel safe in their community, and Governor Shapiro and I are working hard to make sure our kids’ schools are places where they can learn and grow,” said Lt. Gov. Davis. “Unfortunately, the epidemic of gun violence is affecting nearly every community across the Commonwealth, and threats to our schools are a constant concern for parents. As a new dad, I empathize with those concerns, but it’s important for parents to know the facts and talk to our kids about what they’re hearing at school and seeing online.”

Pennsylvania State Police Col. Christopher Paris said that all reported threats are vetted and taken seriously, which is why false reports can strain resources and distract law enforcement from focusing on credible threats. Several Midstate students have been charged with making false reports that interrupted school days.

“Pennsylvania State Police, along with local police departments across the Commonwealth, are dealing with an increase in reported threats, and every one of those threats is treated as a legitimate safety risk,” Col. Paris said. “Some threats are identified early on as pranks or social media hoaxes, and we want to share those indicators with parents. We encourage parents to speak with their children about social media use and the serious ramifications of making these threats. “

Col. Paris identified some signs of a false threat that you may see online:

• A vague or non-descriptive threat
• A threat being shared by someone you do not know and who appears to be from another state or country
• A threat with a generic photograph
• A threat from a non-descript or “bot” social media account

“We want every student to feel safe, comfortable, and empowered to learn and build relationships in their classrooms,” Department of Education Secretary Dr. Khalid Mumin added. “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.”

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