RCS launches "Report, Not Repost" campaign to address social media threats
Rockingham County Schools (RCS) is excited to announce the launch of a new district-wide campaign titled "Report, Not Repost" aimed at addressing the growing concern over social media posts, particularly those threatening violence toward individuals or schools. This campaign seeks to educate students, parents and the community on the critical difference between responsibly reporting harmful content and the dangerous consequences of sharing it.
In recent months, schools across the country have seen a troubling rise in the number of threatening social media posts. Although many of these threats turn out to be false or exaggerated, their circulation creates unnecessary fear, panic, and disruption within school communities. While RCS has not faced any specific threats, we recognize the growing trends and are preparing accordingly.
The primary goal of this campaign is to encourage students, parents and staff to take immediate, responsible action when encountering threatening content online. Reposting or sharing such content—whether to express concern, curiosity or disbelief—only amplifies its reach, causing confusion and distress. In contrast, reporting the threat to school officials or law enforcement allows the appropriate authorities to investigate and take necessary action, ensuring the safety of everyone involved.
"At Rockingham County Schools, the safety of our students and staff is our highest priority," said Sean Gladieux, Director of School Safety for RCS. "We're urging our entire community to think carefully before they share something online. Reporting a concern is always the right thing to do, but reposting a harmful message can have serious consequences, both legally and emotionally."
If students or parents come across posts that threaten violence, harm, or injury, they are encouraged to:
• Take a screenshot of the post
• Report the post to a school administrator, teacher or School Resource Officer (SRO)
• Use the Say Something app, which allows anonymous reporting
• Avoid sharing the post with others, as this only escalates fear and panic
RCS wants to remind parents and students that all threats, regardless of intent, will be thoroughly investigated by our local, county and state law enforcement partners.
"We're asking for everyone's support in making this campaign a success," Gladieux continued. "By choosing to report rather than repost, we're keeping our schools safer, reducing fear and panic, and ensuring that threats are handled quickly and appropriately."
