Alert other parents re their kid’s texts?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:At 12 damn straight I would reach out to a parent about a text chain threatening another kid. Especially if you know the parents well. You don't have to make it a huge deal or imply that their kid is a jerk - just that the text chain raised some concerns.

If it matters, I have a 12yo and an older teen, both boys. I don't ever look at the older one's phone anymore but 12yos need parental involvement around technology. I've never had anything like this happen but my older kid had several friends threaten suicide via text when he was younger. Their 12yo brains are not equipped to make fully rational decisions, especially when they're revving each other up on group texts.

Final point to the PP whose kid was targeted, I'm so sorry.

This. Also, be prepared that if they are obnoxious parents they may shoot the messenger. You still did the right thing. They may not believe you, but when the next parent calls about the next issue, it may be harder for them to go into denial or explain away. Even if the kid didn't mean to make a threat, if he gets away with this a.) someone could act on it and a child could be physically or emotionall harmed and/or b.) he will feel empowered getting away with it and he will make a worse threat next time. Better to nip this in the bud when it's a red flag and not a red siren.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Yes, you should. It's a threat. You'd do them a favor. Another parent might go to the school and then it becomes more serious. What if a child get assaulted? Do your part.

x1000

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don’t get it? Do you have more details? Sounds very non threatening & vague. Not something I would ever tell another parent about. Save it for specific & actionable threats.

This is my reaction. I would keep my eye on it and see if anything specific comes up. I would also talk to my kid and try to get an understanding of the context and what is going on.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don’t get it? Do you have more details? Sounds very non threatening & vague. Not something I would ever tell another parent about. Save it for specific & actionable threats.

This is my reaction. I would keep my eye on it and see if anything specific comes up. I would also talk to my kid and try to get an understanding of the context and what is going on.

Or perhaps OP is trying to convince her or himself it is harmless. This child is texting a large group and wants revenge. I don't care how vague the threat is, this is disturbing and absolutely not normal and healthy behavior. I would contact the parents and also I would convince your son to stop with the group texts with this kid. If revenge happens and one parent comes forward to give the school the group text your child is considered a bystander who did NOTHING. Not a good look. You only have so many years to teach your child good values and what is healthy friendship behavior and what are red flags. Use that time wisely.