Law enforcement issues warning to students: School threats are not a joke, can have real consequences

TUSCALOOSA COUNTY, Ala. (WBRC) - As students return to school, Tuscaloosa County’s School Resource Officer is warning parents and students that school threats are taken seriously, regardless of intent.

Officers say a social media post, a comment made to a friend, or even a photo of a fake gun with the word “school” can trigger a full investigation. In most cases, it is not law enforcement who spots the threat first, it is parents, other students, and school staff who bring it to their attention.

A New Law This School Year

Beginning July 1, 2026, Alabama’s House Bill 7 requires schools to take immediate action when a student is charged with making a terrorist threat against a school or other public place. The law also increases criminal penalties for those offenses and mandates that students involved undergo a mental health evaluation.

Words Matter — Even If You’re Joking

Officers say what many young people may not realize is that comments made in anger, attempts at humor, or posts shared online can be interpreted very differently than intended. Law enforcement says even if a student believes they are joking or venting frustration, investigators are still required to treat it like a real threat.

“We have to investigate any and all threats — whether it’s deemed a threat or could possibly be a threat, we have to get investigators involved and investigate everything that’s given to us,” Sgt. Wes Stephens said.

The state charge for making a school threat is called a terroristic threat.

Consequences for Students

Students found to have made threats can face disciplinary action from their school, up to and including expulsion. Legal consequences are also possible.

“Even though most of our dealings are with juveniles — students under 18 — they obviously won’t go to the county jail, but there are serious repercussions that deal with the juvenile system, and they still can be charged with it and have serious consequences,” said Sgt. Wes Stephens, a Tuscaloosa County School Resource Officer.

What Parents Can Do

Sgt. Stephens said the conversation starts at home. He urged parents to talk to their children about what they are posting online and to remind them that even a joke or a venting post can prompt a real investigation, regardless of the student’s age.

Experts suggest encouraging children to pause before they hit “send” or “post” and to think about how their words might be received, even if they believe they are joking or venting frustration. A quick conversation today could prevent a difficult situation tomorrow.

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