Area school districts continue to deal with rumors and unfounded threats of school violence.

Both Panther Valley and Tamaqua Area school districts have been dealing with unfounded social media posts and re-posts, screenshots and rumors circulating.

Tamaqua Area Superintendent Ray Kinder issued letters to parents both last week and this week asking parents to talk to their children about conversations and social media.

There have been no threats in Tamaqua Area, and all investigations have been traced back to overheard stories taken out of context, Kinder said in a letter Thursday.

“These rumors disrupt the attendance of some, the feelings of many and the education of all,” Kinder wrote.

He asked that anyone with direct information about anyone wanting to harm someone else to communicate with the administration or law enforcement.

Kinder also asked people not to post this type of information on social media, send it to friends or have discussions with others.

“Under no circumstances should you post, re-post or gossip about any information that is not direct or just ‘something you heard,’” he wrote. “This will get passed around as fact, and eventually, you will have to answer for why you sent out the information.”

Kinder said the administration investigates every report and works with law enforcement, and he thanked everyone for their cooperation.

Panther Valley Superintendent Dave McAndrew addressed the issue at Wednesday’s school board meeting, asking parents to talk to their children about the seriousness of these threats.

“There’s been an alarming rise in threats of school violence in local schools,” he said. “I saw that North Schuylkill, Mount Carmel, Pleasant Valley and other schools had to shut down.

“It’s crucial to talk to our children about the seriousness of these threats and the severe consequences, both legal and personal, that can follow, even if made as a joke,” McAndrew said.

Local authorities take these threats seriously and they can lead to suspension, legal action and lasting impacts on a child’s future, he said.

“Please take the time to remind your children the importance of making responsible choices, understanding the potential repercussions of these actions,” McAndrew said.

Panther Valley has not had to deal with threats, McAndrew said Wednesday night, but it’s a growing trend.

Carbon County Detective Jack Soberick said Friday that McAndrew had received a screenshot of a “non-specific threat” that mentions Tamaqua, PV and North Schuylkill, and parents and children are reposting the rumors.

Law enforcement is working with district officials to investigate any reports received and appropriate action is being taken, he said.

There was an increased police presence at all of Panther Valley’s campuses on Friday out of an abundance of caution and official believe the schools remain safe, according to the schools’ social media posts.