What started as a messy teenage breakup has escalated into threats of gun violence, according to a local mother who says her son is being targeted through social media.
Deputies say the woman reported that her son received a disturbing message on Snapchat from another young man. The message asked if he wanted to “know how his 9 tastes,” a reference to a 9mm handgun, and went on to call the teen a name while warning that “next time” things would not be friendly.
The mother told officers that this was not an isolated incident. She explained that her son’s ex-girlfriend has been harassing them for months. She claims the girl has even egged their house and spread drama online. Reaching out to the girl’s mother brought no results, she said, and efforts to get school officials involved haven’t changed anything either.
The student attends South Point Middle/High School, and his mother said she has contacted the administration about the harassment multiple times. She told deputies that while she expected school officials to step in, she feels nothing has been done, and the threats have only escalated.
By the time the Snapchat gun threat appeared, she decided enough was enough and requested to press charges. Deputies took down her statement and documented the complaint in Lawrence County.
This case highlights the growing problem of online threats bleeding into real life. Social media apps like Snapchat allow messages to disappear quickly, making it harder for parents, teachers, and even police to track what’s really going on among teens. But when weapons are mentioned, authorities stress that such threats should always be taken seriously.
If your child is threatened online:
- Save the evidence. Take screenshots immediately, even if the message disappears later.
- Contact both law enforcement and the school. Don’t assume one will handle it without the other.
- Keep the conversation open. Many kids hide online harassment from parents out of fear or embarrassment. Regular check-ins can help you catch problems early.
