A 12-year-old us-regions child is now facing charges after allegedly directing threats toward a high school from “a variety of social media accounts,” police say.
The development comes after at least a dozen students around the U.S. were crime” target=”_blank” rel=”noreferrer noopener”>arrested late last week<
“Through the diligent work of our investigative team, the Maple Shade Police Department was able to identify a 12-year-old juvenile as being responsible for a portion of the threats found on some of these social media accounts,” the statement added.
The juvenile – who is not being identified because they are a minor – has been charged with terroristic threats, false public alarms and cyber harassment.
“It is apparent that this is not just a Maple Shade issue, but an issue that is affecting many towns in New Jersey and many states throughout our country,” the Maple Shade Police Department said, alluding to the situations unfolding elsewhere.
“Lastly, we ask that each of our parents and/or guardians please take a moment to discuss the appropriate use of social media with your children,” it also said.
Similar threats directed towards schools were circulating last week on the social media app TikTok, according to reports.
(Jaap Arriens/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
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Last Thursday, students across the country made unverified threats to schools on social media apps including TikTok, Snapchat and Instagram, prompting schools and other local officials to take action.
Heightened precautions taken amid threat rumors led to a number of student arrests on Thursday in Miramar, Florida; Palm Coast, Florida; Frederick, Maryland; Naugatuck, Connecticut; Watsonville, California; Lake Geneva, Wisconsin; Wyoming, Ohio; and others, according to local police departments.
Fox News’ Audrey Conklin contributed to this report.
