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Virginia Beach Cracks Down on Inappropriate Social Media Posts

A new campaign is designed to encourage digital responsibility in the wake of several arrests related to social media threats.

(TNS)  — VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Superintendent Aaron Spence has a message for students who behave inappropriately online: Cut it out or face serious consequences.

After a string of recent social media incidents that led to criminal investigations and arrests, division officials launched a campaign last week to promote digital responsibility in schools. It's called "Be Social, Be Smart, Be Safe."

With Commonwealth's Attorney Colin Stolle and Police Chief Jim Cervera, Spence also recently appeared in several videos designed to help families understand that what students post online can have consequences.

"We hope to see fewer incidents arise where social media creates a disruption in our schools," Spence said in an interview.

In December, investigators looked into separate social media threats involving Green Run, Princess Anne and Kellam high schools.

The Princess Anne incident led to the arrest of a 17-year-old student who posted a threat on an anonymous messaging app called After School, police said.

"If we close wear a red shirt tomorrow and you get to leave before I start shooting," the student wrote.

A week later, authorities arrested and charged a 15-year-old Kellam High student who posted threats on an anonymous message board called 4Chan.

The campaign covers a variety of best practices for technology use. Officials launched a website last week to provide resources to students and parents.

Spence said he wants students to embrace the power of social media.

"We also want to make sure that they're being safe and smart when they do that," he said.

©2016 The Virginian-Pilot (Norfolk, Va.), distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.