See something concerning online? Report it; don’t repost it. That’s the message behind Report, Don’t Repost: Choose Care Over Clicks, a new Southwest Washington initiative aimed at helping community members, families and students know what to do when they encounter threats or other concerning content online.
"In today's world, a single screenshot, group chat message or social media post can reach hundreds of students within minutes. Sometimes, the information is accurate. Other times, it is misleading or entirely untrue. Regardless, rumors can create fear and confusion before the facts are established. When the safety of our school community is involved, we cannot afford to treat every repost as harmless," said Addison Juhnke, a student at Prairie High School, during a press conference on Oct. 20.
"There was a time when I needed to report a situation, and my school administration made a meaningful difference," continued Juhnke (pictured). "They made the process straightforward, took my concerns seriously and kept my name out of the situation. That experience showed me that reporting does not have to mean becoming the center of attention or facing a difficult situation. It demonstrated what effective administration can accomplish: Creating an environment where students feel supported and know their safety is taken seriously."
“Keeping our schools and our community safe takes all of us,” added Clark County Sheriff John Horch. “Law enforcement can’t do this alone. We need to work together with our schools, families, and our students. Young people are often the first to see or hear something concerning, and we want them to know that speaking up matters. When our community knows how to recognize a concern and where to report it, we are all better equipped to respond.”
Each year, school districts in Clark County receive dozens of reports of potential threats that originate or circulate online. Whether a threat is ultimately determined to be credible or non-credible, each report must be taken seriously and assessed by school and public safety personnel.
Sharing or reposting an unverified threat can amplify rumors, spread fear and confusion, and make it more difficult for schools and public safety officials to communicate accurate information and respond effectively.
Ready to make a report?