Authorities in Pasco County are once again reminding families that threats of violence in schools will not be tolerated, even if students think they are joking. Deputies arrested three preteens in less than a week for making violent threats, and school officials said the consequences can be life-changing.

The arrests come despite repeated warnings from school leaders and law enforcement. Six months ago, Pasco Countys superintendent and sheriff released a joint message urging parents to talk to their children about the dangers of making threats.

But this school year has already seen its share of violent threats made on cell phones and social media.

On back-to-back days last week, two 11-year-old students from the same middle school were arrested for threats to kill. On Monday, a 12-year-

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