In today’s world, there is no such thing as "just a joke" when it comes to threats of school violence or harm to others. Whether a threat is spoken, posted online, or sent in a text, the consequences can be serious and long-lasting.
Regardless of intent, threats can lead to legal action, school discipline, and lasting impacts on a student's future, including their eligibility for college and military service.
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What Parents/Guardians Should Know:
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How You Can Help as a Parent/Guardian:
By working together, we can help our kids understand that threats, even those they think are harmless, are a serious matter. |
This section addresses common questions about threats and school safety to help you and your child understand the risks and responsibilities.
Q: Even if a threat is a joke, can my child still face consequences?
A: Yes. Even if a comment is intended as a joke, it can still lead to serious consequences if it is perceived as a threat or causes fear among others. Students should be taught that there are no jokes about violence or school safety.
Q: Can law enforcement show up at my house or school?
A: Yes. Police officers can and will show up at your home or school to investigate a potential threat or to make an arrest.
Q: What is considered a threat under Michigan law?
A: Under Michigan law, a threat is a crime if a person threatens violence with the intent to cause fear, serious bodily injury, disrupt a school-related event, or cause an emergency response. This includes:
Q: What about comments like, “She is so annoying, I hope she dies!” or “I’m going to kill him for telling her what I said”?
A: While these comments may not meet the legal definition of a threat, they are taken seriously. They can cause fear and lead to a police investigation and disciplinary consequences. Students should understand that these statements are inappropriate and can have serious repercussions.
Q: If a threat is taken out of context, could my child still have consequences?
A: Yes. Making jokes about violence or harm is a serious mistake. If a comment causes another person to genuinely fear for their safety, the student who made the comment can still face significant consequences.
Q: Do consequences only apply at school? What if the threat was made from home?
A: Making a threat can have consequences that affect your child’s entire life. It could show up on their permanent record and impact their eligibility for college or military service. A student can face severe consequences at school and with law enforcement, regardless of whether the threat was made at school or from home.
Q: What should my child do if they hear or see a threat?
A: Your child should immediately tell a trusted adult, such as a teacher, principal, school resource officer, parent, or coach. They can also submit a confidential tip to OK2SAY. If your child is unsure how to report, they should ask a trusted adult to show them.
Q: What if my child doesn’t want to be a “snitch” on a friend?
A: Your child should report it to a trusted adult. If their friend is doing or saying something that is frightening or concerning, reporting it is not an act of betrayal. It is an act of caring that could keep their friend, themselves, and others safe.
Q: How can tips by submitted to OK2SAY?
A: Tips can be submitted 24-hours-a-day, 7-days-a-week.
Multimedia attachments and links to additional information are encouraged.
