TUCSON, Ariz. (KVOA) — Several schools in Pima County are addressing concerns about a national social media threat that has been circulating.
The districts have confirmed that Tucson police have investigated the potential threats and found no evidence to support their validity.
The school districts are using this opportunity to remind parents about the importance of discussing the risks associated with social media and rumors with their children.
The districts also emphasized the importance of reporting any concerning information directly to authorities rather than sharing it among students.
Find the school statements below:
Tucson Unified School District
Dear Tucson Unified families,
In the last several days we have witnessed a series of social media threats against several schools in the state, including Tucson Unified schools, Phoenix area schools, Charter schools, and other educational organizations. Locally, The Tucson Police Department has investigated and determined that the series of threats are unsubstantiated.
We want to assure you that student and staff safety is our priority as we work to continue to keep everyone safe and in a positive learning environment and encourage you to remind your children of the dangers of social media and rumors. If they receive any posts or hear rumors that are dangerous or a threat to others, please report it immediately to an adult and school officials, and to not forward it to other students.
We want to emphasize the critical importance of maintaining the highest level of vigilance regarding the safety and security of our students, staff, and school communities. Our top priority is the well-being of our students, and by working together—schools, families, and law enforcement—we can continue to provide a safe learning environment for all.
Thank you for your attention to this important matter and for your continued support,
Tucson Unified School District Administration
Marana Unified School District
MUSD families and staff,
As safety is our top priority, we are providing information about incidents that have impacted several schools throughout the Marana Unified School District, our neighboring districts, and the United States this week. Though we have a heightened awareness, our schools are operating as normally scheduled and students and staff are safe.
This week, several schools in the District have dealt with incidents of students posting or reposting threats of shootings at schools on social media. Reports of similar threats have also been received on the District’s SpeakUp! Safety Tip line. Law enforcement has reported similar posts on social media that have impacted other districts throughout the country, where threats have circulated and been found to be unsubstantiated while causing significant disruption. Working with law enforcement partners, all reports we receive are taken seriously and investigated to determine credibility.
While we strongly encourage the practice of “See Something, Say Something” when it comes to school safety, we ask that your students avoid sharing or reposting random, unconfirmed threats online or via text communications with peers. Doing so only fuels confusion and fear. Instead, if your student comes across any concerning posts, threats, or information, we urge them to report it to a trusted adult, school staff, or local law enforcement.
Our school, the Marana Unified School District and local law enforcement take safety concerns and threats very seriously. When threats have been made against Marana Schools, students have been disciplined, receiving consequences including long-term suspensions and expulsion. Law enforcement has also been involved and offenders have faced arrest and prosecution.
Please continue to talk to your child(ren) about the importance of being careful with their words and sharing concerning rumors with school administration or a trusted adult. Threats or false rumors, even when made in a joking manner, can result in serious consequences aligned with our district discipline matrix and Arizona Criminal Law.
Any school safety concerns can be reported anonymously by calling or texting the District’s Speak Up! Safety Tip Line at (520) 518-4181. Thank you for your continued support.
– Marana Unified School District Administration
Amphitheater School District
Dear Amphitheater Families and Staff:
We have received calls with concerns about rumors of school threats at our campuses. We have had no threats to any of our schools today. All of our students and staff are safe, and learning is continuing normally throughout the District.
A viral social media post that has been circulated nationally has now made its way to Pima County. Districts throughout the county are contending with the posts, rumors about the posts, and the fear and anxiety these viral challenges create.
We want you to know that every time we learn of a potential threat to a campus, we follow security procedures to ensure that everyone on our campus is safe while each matter is thoroughly investigated. This morning, parents at two schools were notified that the campuses went into secure mode while law enforcement investigated a rumor. Secure mode means that students and staff remain in classrooms while investigations are under way. No threats were found at either campus, and school continued normally when the investigations were completed.
While these hoaxes create unnecessary fear, anxiety and disruption, every report of a threat must be taken seriously, and that’s what we do at Amphitheater Public Schools. Again, every report of a possible threat is investigated, and our campuses are kept safe during the investigation process.
School safety is a community effort, and we ask that you discuss the following reminders with your children and family members:
If you see something, say something. Encourage students to speak up right away if they see or hear something concerning. Students (or adults) should tell a teacher, administrator or other staff member immediately so that the matter can be investigated. Sometimes students are afraid of getting their friends in trouble, but please remind them that speaking up is important. They can even use our anonymous tiplines, found at the bottom of each school’s website, if that makes them more comfortable.
Make good decisions with your devices. Sharing viral posts, texting friends about them or sharing them directly has the same impact as making a threat yourself. Please report concerns to school or law enforcement rather than sharing with friends or on social media. Repeating rumors only adds to the problem and makes it more difficult to determine where the rumor is coming from and whether it is credible.
Actions have serious consequences. Threatening comments, pictures or texts even if made as a joke or in blowing off steam, can result in a student’s arrest, suspension or expulsion. We are living in a time when posting a photo of a toy, making an offhand remark of sending an angry social media comment that can be interpreted as a threat is a serious matter. Please be sure your children understand that there’s no room for error when it comes to school safety today.
Be part of the solution. If you or your child see or hear something that could make the school safer, share it with your school principal. Many of the best solutions for improving school safety come from students themselves.
Support is available at your school. If your child is struggling to deal with their emotions or something happening at school or at home, please let them know that our schools have staff who are trained to help. They can talk to a trusted teacher, counselor, administrator or any adult at school, who can help them connect with resources.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your school. We are united with you and the greater Amphi community to ensure students feel safe at school and get the educational opportunities they deserve every day.
Thank you,
Amphitheater Public Schools
Sunnyside Unified School District
SUSD Families —
The Sunnyside Unified School District is working closely with the Tucson Police Department to investigate the social media threats that have affected several of our schools this morning. TPD has confirmed that these are viral spam videos that have surfaced on TikTok and Instagram.
Although TPD’s investigation has confirmed that these threats are false, our security department is working with local law enforcement to ensure we take all precautionary measures to ensure your students and school staff are safe.
There has been a significant increase in the number of viral threats directed at schools and unfortunately, multiple districts across Arizona have been impacted by the same threats which have all resulted in non-viable threats.
Safety is a shared responsibility and we are calling on families to have conversations about the importance of social media etiquette and the serious consequences of posting content on social media that includes weapons, threats and/or violence as these actions have legal implications. Our district remains committed to the safety of all students and we are grateful for your cooperation and partnership.
Flowing Wells Unified School District
Flowing Wells Families: You or your student may have seen warnings posted online about dangers at schools today. We investigate every report we receive to determine credibility, and we are working closely with law enforcement regarding these posts. We believe FW schools are safe and are not subject to any specific threats. School will operate as normal today. Teachers, administrators, and law enforcement will be present and vigilant. As always, we continue to encourage students to share specific concerns with a trusted adult. Thank you for helping to keep FW safe.
