A 13-year-old student from Southwestern Middle School has been arrested after a disturbing online message triggered a safety alert. The alert was flagged by Gaggle, a digital monitoring system used by schools to detect threats, self-harm, or other concerning activity in student accounts.
According to authorities, the alert was generated when the student typed a message into ChatGPT that read, “How to kill my friend in the middle of class.” The message immediately prompted law enforcement and school officials to respond to the potential threat, placing the school on heightened alert.
Deputies quickly identified and detained the student responsible. During questioning, the 13-year-old reportedly admitted to making the statement as a “joke” or “trolling” a friend, claiming he never intended to harm anyone.
Despite the student’s explanation, the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office emphasized that such messages — even if made in jest — are taken extremely seriously. The sheriff’s department stated that digital threats of violence can cause widespread panic, disrupt learning environments, and trigger costly emergency responses.
School administrators reiterated their zero-tolerance policy for threats of any kind, whether real or perceived, reminding students that online comments can have serious legal and disciplinary consequences.
The student was arrested and faces charges related to making written threats. Authorities used the incident as a warning to parents and students alike: digital “jokes” about violence are no laughing matter and can lead to criminal charges, suspension, or expulsion.
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