PHX Reporter

PVSchools has initiated a campaign called "Report, Don’t Repost" to address the issue of social media threats and hoaxes. This effort comes as state testing approaches, a time when such threats typically increase. The district aims to create a culture of awareness and responsibility among its approximately 26,000 students across forty-one schools.

The campaign seeks to counteract the negative impacts of anonymized social media threats, which can disrupt learning, increase absenteeism, strain resources, and cause anxiety within communities. PVSchools plans to inform families and community members about the steps taken by the district, schools, and local police departments in response to these threats.

The initiative will communicate five key messages through various channels like newsletters and social media posts:

1. "Report, Don’t Repost": Encourage reporting threats directly to officials rather than spreading them.

2. "Be the HERO": Emphasize reporting over sharing potentially harmful content.

3. "The Joke is NOT a Joke": Highlight the serious consequences of making jokes about school threats.

4. "Do You Know What Your Kids Are Posting?": Urge parents to stay informed about their children's online activities.

5. "Stay Informed, Stay Calm, Stay Put": Advise against spreading unverified information during online threat situations.

Social media's ability to rapidly spread harmful messages poses significant challenges for school safety. The Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency likens it to a modern-day "bathroom wall," with far-reaching effects. By launching this campaign, PVSchools hopes to maintain clear communication and ensure community safety.