No threat after message on social media warns students of Delta school
Posted April 13, 2017 8:23 am.
Last Updated April 13, 2017 8:25 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
DELTA (NEWS 1130) – Police are calling for calm after a message posted on social media yesterday ended up getting out of control for students, parents and staff at South Delta Secondary School.
Police say the threat was made on Snapchat. “This is a case of a student making a comment that was misinterpreted and then subsequently just spun out of control at warp speed and has created a lot of concern and angst among students and parents,” explains the DPD’s Sharlene Brooks.
She adds once the initial message was posted, others started adding to it creating a larger conversation that appeared to gain more traction. “It spun out to the point where there was a mention of threats to students at this school.”
Investigators worked through the night to look into the so-called threat and whether it had any legs. “[We’ve] been working with the school administration, have identified those involved in the conversation and there is no threat to the safety of the students at South Delta Secondary. We are confident that was just an embellishment… on social media. It’s another example of how quickly things can be misinterpreted and spread through social media and the inaccuracy that comes from it.”
The original message had talked about warning students not to attend classes today and from there things escalated.
As for those who were involved in the conversation on social media, Brooks explains it’s not technically an offence. “As far as the Criminal Code. What it is, is hopefully a learning opportunity for what is said on social media is taken seriously and you can’t control the messaging of those that jump into the conversation.”
She adds a notification will be going out to parents via the school to relieve any possible fears or concerns.
Classes are in session today.
