Social Media Trends

Recently, schools across the country have investigated a number of reports of damage to bathrooms and furniture, and hoax threats of targeted violence against schools. We take these “challenges” — often issued via text message or posted on social media— very seriously. School leadership and law enforcement partners investigate every tip to ensure the safety of our students, staff and community. Hoax threats can result in both arrest by law enforcement and/or suspension or expulsion by the school district. Hoax threats are not a joke, and they can have devastating consequences—both for the public and for those who post them.

Safety is a top priority

We are grateful to have the support of the Bend Police Department, Deschutes County Sheriff's Department, and the FBI in investigating threats and damages to determine whether we need to take action and if criminal charges are in order for those damaging facilities or threatening wellbeing.

Students Show Commitment to Safety

We are constantly evaluating our safety and security protocols and are thankful that our students have shown in the past that they know to come forward when they see or hear of something concerning. We believe that Bend-La Pine Schools’ students are some of the most upstanding, conscientious and impressive around.

If you or your student have any concerns about safety, those should be shared immediately with any principal, dean, or School Resource Officer. Even if you don't know all the facts, please share what you know and we will investigate.

• If you or your student see a threat of violence posted online, contact local law enforcement or call 1-800-CALL-FBI. You can also submit information online to the FBI at tips.fbi.gov.
• Send a tip to SafeOregon by calling or sending a text to 844-472-3367. Tips also can be emailed to tip@safeoregon.com or through the SafeOregon app.
• Call local law enforcement’s non-emergency line anytime at 541-693-6911.
• Call 9-1-1 to report imminent threats of harm to self or others.

Remember – a hoax threat is no joke. Think before you post.

Don’t share or forward a threat until your school and/or law enforcement has a chance to investigate – this can spread misinformation and cause panic.

• If you are the target of an online threat, call local law enforcement immediately
• Set appropriate boundaries for social media usage and know what your student is doing on social media
• Don’t ever post or send any hoax threats online
• Don’t share or forward a threat until law enforcement has a chance to investigate – this can spread misinformation and cause panic
• Since the rise of Facebook 15 years ago, social media draws tremendous attention from young people. Middle school students are very impressionable. Your guidance is essential to ensure your student is safe, kind and responsible online, especially outside of school hours when they are most likely to be on social media.
• Students follow what they see and hear in their homes. Discuss online behaviors, and how your family could be a source of uplift for others.

Bend-La Pine Schools is a community with connections to many resources and supports for families. Whenever you might need help, please reach out.