A Joliet school district announced new security measures effective immediately in response to unfounded social media threats targeting schools.
Beginning Wednesday, all Joliet Township High School students will be searched upon entry “out of an abundance of caution.”
“Absolutely everyone is scared these days, you can’t take that kind of thing lightly,” said one mother.
Many parents and community members felt unsafe following threats on social media platforms directed at schools in Joliet.
On Monday, a 14-year-old girl and a 12-year-old girl were arrested for gross disorderly conduct in connection with having made the threats, which were judged to be unfounded.
Joliet police said they have seen copycat threats emerge and have received hundreds of tips for their investigation of social media threats.
“While we are ultimately relieved to find that there is no credibility to these threats, there is also a sense of frustration that comes with that,” said Joliet Police Sgt. Dwyane English said.
English encouraged parents to talk to their children about the seriousness of online threats and the possible consequences of making them.
“We encourage parents to have this conversation with their kids about using technology appropriately, to understand these threats, these messages that have been spread have real consequences,” English said.
A Joliet Township High School board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday evening.