Archyde News is pleased to have Dr. Evelyn Reed, a leading expert in school safety and social media threat assessment, joining us today. Dr. Reed, thank you for being here.

Dr. reed: Thank you for having me. It’s a crucial time to discuss these issues.

Understanding the Growing Threat

Archyde: Dr. Reed, recent events, such as the situation at Summit Middle School, highlight the increasing use of social media to spread threats. What’s driving this trend?

Dr. Reed: The accessibility of social media, coupled with its anonymity in some cases, provides an easy platform for individuals, especially young people, to make threats. The speed at which information spreads online, along with the potential for misinterpretation or escalation, amplifies the impact. We’ve seen a significant increase in the volume of threats, as well as their sophistication.

Archyde: The RAND Corporation reported a significant rise in these incidents. What specific measures can schools and authorities take to mitigate the risk?

Dr. Reed: Prevention starts with education. We need to educate students, staff, and parents about responsible social media use. Schools should have clear policies regarding social media, including reporting mechanisms for threats. Training staff on threat assessment, as outlined by the Department of Homeland Security, is essential. Collaboration with law enforcement is vital too.

Balancing transparency and Privacy

Archyde: A recurring challenge is balancing transparency with protecting the privacy of minors. How can schools communicate effectively without causing undue alarm?

Dr.Reed: It’s a delicate balance.Schools should establish clear dialogue protocols and guidelines. When a threat arises, provide factual information to parents and the community. It’s often better to err on the side of caution, but avoid excessive speculation. Reassuring parents as to the school’s plan of action is crucial.

Archyde: the incident at Summit Middle School shows the complexity of distinguishing credible from non-credible threats, especially when early information is limited.

Dr. Reed: Absolutely. Threat assessment teams, including school officials, law enforcement, and mental health professionals, are key to determining the credibility of any threat. They undergo training to assess the threat’s source, intent, and capability. The goal is to evaluate the threat’s severity and the appropriate response.

Community Impact and Future Considerations

Archyde: This particular incident caused considerable anxiety within the Boulder community. how can communities and schools rebuild trust and demonstrate that the wellbeing for students is the ultimate focus?

Dr. Reed: Consistent, clear communication is essential, even at the local level. Town halls hosted by school districts can give families a way to ask questions and voice concerns. In addition, open communication about safety plans provides much-needed security and reassurance.it isn’t enough to simply share information with parents; schools must show they are listening and responding to the concerns of the community.

Archyde: Looking ahead, what are the most critical areas for improvement in school safety?

Dr. Reed: continued investment in threat assessment training, mental health resources for students, and effective communication strategies are crucial. Also, it’s critically important to stay ahead of evolving social media trends and emerging cybersecurity threats.

Archyde: What do you think is the most pressing question related to social media threats that parents and educators need to be asking themselves right now?

Dr. Reed: How can we create a school environment where students, staff, and even parents feel empowered to report suspicious activity without retaliation and with the assurance they will be taken seriously?