Jackson County schools canceled for Friday due to bomb threats

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JACKSON COUNTY, Ga. - The Jackson County School System delayed the start of school Friday morning after receiving "computer-generated bomb threats" targeting its campuses overnight.

What we know:

The district said it received the threats in the middle of the night and is working with local and state law enforcement agencies to investigate.

Authorities are also working to clear school buildings before students and staff are allowed to return.

"Due to this, we will be delaying the start of school until further notice, and will notify families when we have an update," the district said.

The district did not immediately provide details about the specific schools mentioned in the threats or whether investigators believe the threats are credible.

At 6:45 a.m., the Jackson County Sheriff's Office advised the public on social media that there would be a heavy police presence at multiple schools in Jackson County on Friday.

UPDATE

At around 8 a.m., the Sheriff's Office posted that they had cleared Gum Springs Elementary and West Jackson Middle School.

At around the same time, Jackson County Schools announced that school had been canceled for Friday because of the magnitude of the investigation and length of time it would take to clear all the impacted buildings.

They also said that a decision regarding extracurricular activities would be made later in the day after they have made sure that all the campuses are secure.

Families can check the Jackson County School System website for updates.

The Jackson County School System includes 12 base schools and one college and career academy serving students across the county.

Why schools take every threat seriously

Big picture view:

Schools across the country regularly deal with threats that ultimately turn out to be hoaxes. Anonymous emails, social media and other digital tools have made it easier for someone to send a threat capable of disrupting an entire school day.

Even a threat that turns out to be fake can have a major impact. Schools may be evacuated or closed while law enforcement searches buildings, investigates where the message came from and determines whether students and staff are safe.

Authorities also can't assume a threat is a prank. Each one must be investigated, which can require significant law enforcement resources and create anxiety for students, parents and school employees.

Investigators say threats can come from students trying to disrupt classes, people seeking attention or copycats reacting to other incidents. Some originate far outside the community being targeted, making it more difficult to identify the person responsible.

Making a false threat can also carry serious criminal consequences.