Bomb threats received by schools in Jackson, Hall counties

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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.

FBIA Atlanta also confirmed to FOX 5 Atlanta that they are assisting in the investigation.

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

Hall County School District also receives bomb threat

The superintendent of the Hall County School District released a statement on the school system's Facebook page around 10 a.m. saying that one of their schools – Cherokee Bluff High School – had also received a threat.

Superintendent Will Schofield said that law enforcement and bomb-sniffing dogs are sweeping the school and students are being kept safe during the process.

The Hall County Sheriff's Office confirmed in a Facebook post that they are investigating and have deployed their explosive detecting K9s. The Sheriff's Office says no actual explosive devices have been found at this time, but they will continue to treat the threat or threats as legitimate until proven otherwise. The Sheriff's Office also said that its investigators believe the threats were generated by AI (artificial intelligence).

Social media threat in Cobb County

What we know:

Cobb County School District says it is investigating a separate threat to Campbell Middle School. According to the school district, multiple law enforcement agencies are aware and are investigating. The school district also increased its police presence at the school on Friday.

The school district also encouraged parents and students to continue to report any possible threats.

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.