EDUCATION & SCHOOLS

School district asks people report threats on SafeUT, avoid spreading panic over hoax

Sep 18, 2024, 3:15 PM | Updated: 4:18 pm

(Safe UT)...

(Safe UT)

(Safe UT)

SANDY — A hoax school safety threat was widely spread on social media. Officials are now asking people to report threats on the SafeUT app, to avoid mass panic.

Canyons School District reportedly received multiple tips about a circulating social media post that appeared to be threatening schools. The district said it was a false threat.

The district sent a message to parents, stating that there is no reason to believe the threat is credible. Rick Robins, the superintendent, said the same screenshot of a text message had been shared amongst students and schools, and had even spread beyond the state.

The exact same social media post was reportedly causing a security threat in Pennsylvania that resulted in a delayed start to the school day.

“The post does not name any of our schools, and we have no reason to believe it’s credible,” Robins said in the message to parents. “It is understandably causing alarm, however.”

The district said it will proceed with usual school hours unless otherwise notified.

“We also recognize and respect the right of parents to decide what is best for their families,” Robins said.

Aware of the hoax

Robins said the teachers, parents, and police departments in the area have been notified of the posts. Schools will have administrators and staff in the hallways to provide additional oversight.

“Parents, we again ask for your help in reinforcing the message that creating and circulating online comments about committing acts of violence at a school, even if written in jest, could result in serious consequences,” Robin wrote in the message.

In 2024, Utah law imposed harsher penalties on those who make threats against schools or falsely report emergencies. Some hoax threats can be prosecuted as federal crimes, depending on the severity.

Canyons School District advised against sharing threats on social media, and urges anyone who sees something unsafe to say something by reporting it through the anonymous crisis and safety tipline SafeUT.

“The problem with sharing tips in public forums, such as Facebook or Instagram, is that it lends credibility to false threats and stirs panic in school communities,” Ryan Jakeman, Canyons District risk manager, said. “The hoax threats we are encountering today are not as simple as pulling a fire alarm. There’s nothing that strikes more fear in the heart of a parent than to hear their child may be in danger.”

Jakeman said the district will always take threats seriously, but when a threat turns out to be a hoax, police are being diverted from other priorities.

KSL 5 TV Live

Education & Schools

Elizabeth “Betsy” R. Cantwell...

Carlysle Price

USU President announces departure, becomes first woman president at Washington State University

Utah State University President Elizabeth R. Cantwell has announced her departure from USU and has accepted a position out of state.

5 days ago

STARBASE Hill...

Debbie Worthen

STARBASE Hill program in Utah shuts down due to massive funding reduction

A Department of Defense youth program is the latest victim of budget cuts on Washington’s Capitol Hill, and thousands of Utah children will feel the impact.

6 days ago

FILE — A school bus during sunrise. (Jeff Faughender/Courier Journal via AP)...

Mary Culbertson, Michael Houck and Shara Park, KSL TV

1 student stabbed during fight at Weber County middle school

A student was stabbed during a fight with another student at T H Junior High in Weber County.

7 days ago

The outside of Clearfield High School on Feb. 03, 2025....

Michael Houck

Clearfield High School student brandishes a knife during fight, police say

Three Davis County schools went into secure protocol after an armed student fled from a fight Monday afternoon, Clearfield police say.

8 days ago

North Ogden Canyon Rd, known as the North Ogden Divide, was closed to all lanes of traffic Sunday n...

Alton Barnhart

North Ogden Divide closed due to rock slides, WCRD confirmed

North Ogden Canyon Rd, known as the North Ogden Divide, was closed to all lanes of traffic Sunday night due to numerous rock slides, according to the Weber County Roads Department.

9 days ago

FILE: Salt Lake City Police...

Alton Barnhart

SLCPD’s citywide public safety enforcement results in 22 arrests

Citywide enforcement efforts conducted by the Salt Lake City Police Department resulted in the arrests of 22 people.

9 days ago

Sponsored Articles

luxury living room with a classic white sofa and sofa, interior design...

Lighting Design

Revisiting home lighting trends for 2025

Looking for inspiration to revamp your home lighting? This article outlines some of the emerging lighting trends for 2025.

holiday gift basket with blue tissue paper and gingerbread cookies...

Kneaders Bakery & Cafe

Holiday hacks for a stress-free season

Get more out of your time with family and loved ones over the holidays by following these tips for a stress-free season.

2 computer techs in a computer shop holding up a computer server with the "hang loose" sign...

PC Laptops

A comprehensive guide to choosing the right computer

With these tips, choosing the right computer that fits your needs and your budget will be easier than ever.

crowds of people in a German style Christmas market...

This Is The Place Heritage Park

Celebrate Christkindlmarket at This Is The Place Heritage Park!

The Christkindlmarket is an annual holiday celebration influenced by German traditions and generous giving.

Image of pretty woman walking in snowy mountains. Portrait of female wearing warm winter earmuff, r...

Lighting Design

Brighten your mood this winter with these lighting tricks

Read our lighting tips on how to brighten your mood in the winter if you are experiencing seasonal affective disorder.

A kitchen with a washer and dryer and a refrigerator...

Appliance Man

Appliance Man: a trusted name in Utah’s home appliance industry

Despite many recent closures of local appliance stores, Appliance Man remains Utah's trusted home appliance business and is here to stay.

School district asks people report threats on SafeUT, avoid spreading panic over hoax