CABOT, Ark. — Schools across Arkansas are closely monitoring their campuses after several districts received potential "school threats."
Education officials increased police presence, used lockdowns, and investigated all possible threats to calm fears and keep everyone safe.
However, those steps are what led the Cabot Public School District to a suspect who allegedly left a threat in the high school's bathroom earlier this week.
The school district released a video on Thursday, and Superintendent Tony Thurman said a student admitted to making a threat and will "face serious consequences" along with felony charges.
Thurman also acknowledged that "other students may have known the suspect was behind the threat and did not report it. " Because of that, Thurman called on parents to get more involved in these types of situations.
"Safety starts at home, and your proactive involvement is essential," Thurman said. "When you first heard about the threat, did you immediately report it to school officials or simply post it on social media? Have you checked your child's social media for any concerning conversations or behavior?"
The alleged threat in Cabot is just one of several schools reacting to threats in the wake of last week's school shooting in Georgia.
The Arkansas Department of Education released a statement Thursday and said they're considering everything.
"We are working with districts to implement additional safety measures stressed through LEARNS," the Arkansas Department of Education said. "We also have been in contact with districts about the threats they are receiving. We have offered our support, and our safe schools unit stands ready to assist, offer guidance, and provide resources wherever needed."
To prevent mass violence, the Federal Bureau of Investigation asks that you report any suspicious activity. They advise anyone to start by telling someone you trust and then contacting your local law enforcement.
Thurman said every threat will always be taken seriously, and they will not tolerate threats like this. as students need
"Students need to understand that there are consequences for posting threats regardless of intent. There are no jokes when it comes to student and staff safety."