Dear Solanco Families,
We want to bring your attention to a disturbing social media Tik Tok trend regarding school threats. These are nationwide posts about threats for December 17. It is possible this will be seen on other social media platforms such as Instagram and Facebook.
No Solanco students are connected to this or have made any threats.
These posts do not indicate any direct threat against Solanco.
A number of schools both local and nationally are facing this, as well.
Unfortunately, we have seen other social media trends in the past year or so affecting schools, such as ones encouraging vandalism of school bathrooms and stealing items from schools.
We take any threats seriously and follow specific safety protocols. These include collaborating with law enforcement when any concerns arise. As we learned of this Tik Tok trend, we did contact law enforcement.
As most of you know, we were addressing social media posts last Thursday at Solanco High School. As we worked through that, we noted that there are two essential things we ask of all parents regarding social media postings:
- If concerns arise, please report them to us directly. We saw a number of posts throughout that evening that were increasingly inaccurate which heightened concern in parents and students. Contacting us directly allows us to act quickly. We saw a number of social media posts that amplified the concern but were incorrect.
- Please continue to talk with your child(ren) about the appropriate use of social media and the seriousness and resulting consequences of making any kind of threat. Solanco School District and law enforcement investigate any postings thoroughly.
The way social media works and how widely social media is used by children has made threat assessment more challenging in some ways. Information spreads very quickly and the accuracy of that information can, and does, change quickly.
You have likely noticed other districts across Lancaster County addressing similar social media posts in the past week or so.
Thank you for your support, concern, and communication. We all must continue to work together to ensure student safety. The strength of the community and the care and concern for the children of Solanco continues to be demonstrated. Thank you!