In Riverside, California, school safety has been increasingly jeopardized by a surge in threats of violence. Over the past three weeks, local police have investigated more than a dozen threats, resulting in the arrest of four juveniles. The latest incident involved a 13-year-old boy who posted an Instagram photo of himself with what appeared to be a handgun, alongside a list of potential student targets from Central Middle School. Though the weapon was later identified as a toy, the boy was arrested for making criminal threats.
Officer Ryan Railsback of the Riverside Police Department expressed frustration, stating, “We hate taking kids away from their parents… but this has got to stop.” He emphasized that although none of the recent threats were real, the disruption to students’ learning environments has been significant.
The rise in these threats has been attributed to various factors, including bullying and “copycat” behavior, with social media being the common thread in all cases. Railsback urged parents to reconsider their children’s access to social media, suggesting that removing phones could reduce the risk.
Riverside County District Attorney Mike Hestrin echoed this sentiment, warning parents about the dangers of social media for children. He highlighted research indicating that children’s brains are not equipped to handle the pressures of social media, adding that predators often exploit these platforms.
Consequences for juveniles making threats range from counseling to detention in secure facilities, with the ultimate goal being rehabilitation rather than severe punishment. As Officer Railsback explained, each threat must be taken seriously, given the tragic history of school shootings nationwide.
This rise in incidents has prompted a broader conversation about social media’s role in influencing young people, and the importance of parental oversight in safeguarding children.
