As several schools across the state are currently experiencing an increase in online threats, Oklahoma City Public Schools is developing new ways to limit their spread online.

Officials at OKCPS say social media is to blame for the rise in threats. When a threat is posted, it can be shared instantly, causing fear and trauma among students, teachers and parents.

While any threat should be taken seriously, OKCPS says the district warns people not to share threats and encourages them to send them directly to police and the school district so they can verify their credibility.

“We follow some very specific protocols and procedures to make sure doors are locked, that people are screened, that students are screened, that visitors are screened,” said Wayland Cubit, OKCPS director of safety and security. “We go into great detail to make sure the kids are safe.”

The district said it has more than 5,000 surveillance cameras and that if a threat is credible, the affected school is monitored 24 hours a day.

If you are a parent, the district encourages you to talk to your child about social media and remind them to speak up if they see something.