Threats in messengers and social media
The wave of detentions is the result of police action targeting content published online suggesting that someone’s life or health might be at risk. In Legnica, officers detained a 16-year-old resident of the city who posted criminal threats in a group messenger. The teenager said she only meant to joke, but her conduct raised concerns about students’ safety.
In Jawor, police detained a 16-year-old high-school student who posted a disturbing message on one of the online platforms, saying that he “might become a knifeman.” After the necessary procedures, the teenager was placed in his mother’s care.
In Wrocław, officers detained another 16-year-old high-school student who edited his photograph using artificial intelligence, adding a knife, and then sent the image to classmates via a messenger. Officers searched the school and found no dangerous objects. The student said it had been a joke. Proceedings were conducted under Article 224a of the Criminal Code, and the teenager was placed in his parents’ care.
Police Juvenile Chamber for two students
In Świdnica, police took action regarding a 16-year-old member of a closed online group in which he sent information about plans to kill many people. In a conversation with officers, the minor admitted that he wanted to frighten his peers and, as he put it, had succeeded. He was taken to the Police Juvenile Chamber.
A 14-year-old student at a primary school in Głogów was also taken to the Police Juvenile Chamber after creating an online story containing threats to kill many people at the school. He was brought to a police unit and searched; no dangerous objects were found on him.
In Kłodzko, officers detained a 15-year-old student at one of the primary schools who bragged to his peers that he would bring dangerous objects to school instead of books. Police immediately checked the contents of his backpack. The situation turned out to be a false alarm.
Evacuations and canceled classes
In Milicz, Polkowice and Wrocław, police intervened after receiving a report from a school principal who had received a screenshot from a student showing a message about an allegedly planted dangerous object in one of the classrooms. The principal decided to cancel classes, and officers searched the building without finding any dangerous objects.
Police appeal to parents
Police officers say they will operate around all educational institutions and respond immediately to every report. They stress that time plays a crucial role and that a quickly submitted report enables effective action.
Officers appeal to parents and guardians to talk with children about responsibility for published content and the consequences of seemingly harmless jokes. All the cases described were, or are to be, referred for assessment by the Family Court, depending on the circumstances.