08/06/2026
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As students head back to school, thereβs an important conversation Alabama parents should have at home: words matter, and so do social media posts.
Beginning July 1, 2026, Alabamaβs House Bill 7 requires schools to take immediate action when a student is charged with making a terrorist threat against a school or other public place. The law also increases criminal penalties for those offenses.
What many young people may not realize is that comments made in anger, attempts at humor, or posts shared online can sometimes be interpreted very differently than intended. When a statement is determined to meet the legal definition of a terrorist threat, schools are required to notify law enforcement, and serious consequences can follow while the matter is investigated and addressed.
This does not mean every upset comment or poorly worded post will automatically lead to criminal charges. The facts of each situation matter, and every case is evaluated based on Alabama law. However, it is a reminder that what we say, text, post, or share online can have real-world consequences.
As parents, now is a great time to remind our children to pause before they hit "send" or "post." Encourage them to think about how their words might be received, even if they believe they are joking or venting frustration. A quick conversation today could prevent a difficult situation tomorrow.
Let's work together to help our students make good decisions, stay safe, and start the school year focused on learning and success.
