Sheriff’s Office to Educate Parents After Unicoi Co. High School Threat

UNICOI COUNTY, Tenn. (WJHL) — After a 15-year-old was arrested and charged in connection with a threat at Unicoi County High School, the sheriff’s office has launched a new initiative to train parents and guardians to recognize signs that their child is making school threats.

Unicoi County Deputy Chief Frank Rogers confirmed the student was arrested and charged with threatening mass violence on school property or at a school-related activity, a Class E misdemeanor. The threat was made Friday night via social media, Rogers and Unicoi County Schools said.

Rogers told News Channel 11 that the investigation into the threat prompted him and others to monitor the social media accounts and apps that teens have access to.

“During the criminal investigation we conducted, we learned some very disturbing things about the materials that children are exposed to and interact with on a daily basis,” Rogers wrote in a message to parents. “As parents and caregivers, it can be easy to miss the early warning signs that accompany these exposures.”

In response, the sheriff’s office has organized conferences for parents and guardians to educate them about the dangers their children are exposed to online and how to protect them. Parents will also be taught to look for warning signs of children who are overexposed to violent content.

Rogers has planned two conferences where parents and educators can hear and speak with experts in the areas of cybercrime, sexual exploitation research, drug abuse and other online dangers.

“I absolutely encourage parents to pay attention to what their children are exploring and being exposed to on social media and their electronic devices,” Rogers said. “It’s not safe. It’s dangerous, and kids will lie to you, even the good kids. And they’re all good kids until they’re not.”

Both conferences will be held in the Unicoi County High School auditorium. The first is on October 10th from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. The second is on October 12th from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m.

Anyone wishing to attend is asked to register with the Unicoi County Sheriff’s Office by calling 423-743-1864.