In BC, and throughout North America, there have been multiple incidents relating to “Creepy Clown” threats. These threats are typically online and reference kidnapping or targeting schools with threats of violence. It is important to note that there has been no violence reported at this time. Much of the news coverage on this phenomenon describes it as a “hoax”.
All school districts, many independent schools and band schools in BC have, through the ERASE Bullying Strategy, received training in assessing and responding to threat related behaviour.
The majority of these threats are appearing throughout social media platforms primarily through Instagram and Snapchat accounts. Law Enforcement and Safer Schools Together have been involved in investigating posts and pages that have been created throughout the country; however, there has been no violence reported at this time.
It is imperative that you talk to your children about reporting these threats if they see them on social media and bring them to the attention of school officials and/or law enforcement.
It is also important to make students aware that if they engage, or participate in any way, in this type of threat related behaviour they will experience discipline and/or criminal charges.
Many students see this as a prank and not as a criminal behaviour.
If you require any further information, please talk to your school administrators.
Although the majority of individuals engaging in this behaviour appear to be imitators, it is important to respond to these posts and threats as you would to any form of an anonymous threat. Please contact your local Law Enforcement agency when these threats are brought to your attention.