To the editor:

Back in my grade-school days, threats of violence were few and far between. When such threats were brought to the attention of necessary individuals, evacuations ensued without hesitation.

Although I may not have understood it then, looking back with my current knowledge and in light of the recent social-media threat toward John Yeates Middle School, I can understand why things were taken so seriously.

I have noticed that kids start creating social media accounts as early as elementary school. Social media gives them a lot of freedom. But that freedom can include both positives and negatives, such as these threats.

The majority of the younger generation does not seem to grasp the severity of these threats. Elders should be there to guide and inform the younger generation about the power of social media.

More importantly the potential consequences of threats such as these should be brought to light early on.

Bakari Jenkins

Suffolk