BY MATT LINDSEY
North Country This Week

St. Lawrence County school officials are aware of a social media hoax that is a national issue and at least two districts responded by contacting law enforcement .

The threats toward schools are a bit generic in nature, citing a threat against “Central High School.”

Massena Central School District was made aware of a potential threat posted on social media yesterday toward a "Central High School,” said Superintendent Pat Brady.

He said there was no date provided for the threat, nor the specific name of a school to be targeted.

Regardless, school officials contacted Massena police.

“It was found that this post originated in another state and has made its way to communities across the country,” Brady said. “In some instances the post was altered to include the names of specific schools in various places. Massena was not named specifically in this post.”

The threat had a similar impact at nearby Potsdam Central.

PCS was notified late last night of the alleged threat that was circulating social media as a screenshot image.

“Upon learning of the alleged threat, administrators contacted the Potsdam Police Department,” PCS Superintendent Joann Chambers said. Police performed an investigation and determined that there was no credible threat locally.

“While this threat is determined to be not credible, it is important for students, staff and families to remain vigilant in reporting instances like these so that they can be investigated,” Chambers said.

Superintendent Brady echoed Chambers.

“The Massena Central School District takes any potential threat against our students and staff very seriously. We will continue to work with law enforcement to investigate any perceived threats to protect our schools. Anyone with information about potential threats toward our District is encouraged to contact school administration or the Massena Police Department,” Brady said.

No other districts reported being targeted, but all superintendents were aware of the threats.

This is not the first time schools have been targeted through social media, or the only instance of social media negatively impacting schools.

Earlier this fall some district officials reported TikTok challenges where students were allegedly damaging classrooms or bathrooms; or another social media challenge in which students were encouraged to assault other students.