The announcement comes after a rash of such incidents this week.
Glenwood High School was placed on a soft lockdown Wednesday after officials were made aware of an electronic threat via a social media app.
The following message from Superintendent Douglas Wood was sent to parents:
This morning, the Ball-Chatham School District ordered a soft lockdown at GHS due to a threatening message posted on the Yik Yak app. School administrators, safety and security staff, along with local law enforcement officers are currently conducting a search of the facility. Searches of this type are generally evidentiary in nature and threats to student or staff safety are minimal.
A male juvenile was taken into custody. The all clear was given around midday.
Another student in the Riverton district faces charges for making a threat against that school.
Three other incidentsthis week involved threats against Washington Middle School, Sacred Heart Griffin and Springfield High Schools.
Sangamon County State’s Attorney Dan Wright says some might view these threats simply as pranks.
"We certainly don't view them that way and they are a violation of the criminal statutes of the State of Illinois and will be treated as such," he said. "You might think because you are under 18, nothing is going to happen to you if make a threat to a school. I want to be absolutely clear. That is 100 percent not the case."
Wright said felony charges are possible, including a Class X felony, if a threat is prosecuted under the terrorism statute. Convictions could result in prison and fines.
Law enforcement was flanked by area school leaders at a news conference Wednesday afternoon.
Authorities said schools across the country are seeing a surge in threats following a deadly shooting at Oxford High School in Michigan.
The threats have been made primarily through social media apps, including Yik Yak, that is popular with young people. While it bills itself as a local message board, comments are anonymous. It has been criticized as a platform for bullying.
"We've all been seeing what's going on in our country... really since Columbine. We as role models have to be involved in our kids lives" said Springfield Police Chief Kenny Winslow. "We have to know what they're doing on social media, who they are hanging out with and teach them how to make wise decisions."
"People think they are anonymous. They think they can get by with things. You can't."
The Illinois Emergency Management Agency, and local emergency managers throughout the state, are reminding students, parents and community members about Safe2Help Illinois, a free information sharing platform that is available 24/7. A free app, text/phone, or the website (Safe2HelpIL.com) can be accessed to share school safety issues in a confidential environment. According to state leaders, information obtained by Safe2Help Illinois will remain confidential to ensure student privacy and to protect the integrity of the program. The goal is to encourage students to “Seek Help Before Harm.”
Regardless of whether a school district is enrolled in the program, Safe2Help staff will vet all information received and forward to the appropriate local contact whether or not they elect to formally participate in the program.
Making threats can also be a sign of a student struggling with mental stress. Officials made a point to remind students and others of mental health services available. Both the local hospitals in Springfield offer those services.
A national suicide prevention hotline is also available for those in need.
The latest incidents come as Springfield public schools are discussing ways to improve safety after a student died when he was stabbed at Lanphier High School last month.
