ST. LOUIS COUNTY — Online threats led to the closures of several St. Louis-area schools on Thursday.
Students at Ritenour High School switched to virtual learning Thursday in response to "reports of online threats overnight," according to a message from district officials.
St. Ann police investigated the threats and said students were safe to return to school Friday.Â
"It is unfortunate for everyone — students, families and the community — when people choose to escalate potential safety issues on social media. It not only disrupts the education of our students, but it also causes anxiety for students, families, our community and those beyond our boundaries," Ritenour Superintendent Chris Kilbride said in a statement.
Five schools in Centralia, Illinois closed Thursday after two 11-year-old students were charged with felony disorderly conduct for allegedly posting threats on social media, according to Centralia police.
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A Facebook post from the Centralia Police Department said the schools were closed "in an abundance of caution, but we can assure the public that this case is closed."