Much can be said about the incident Tuesday in which a 15-year-old Albert Lea girl was arrested for threatening violence at the high school on social media.

The post, on Snapchat, which indicated the girl wanted to “shoot up” the school, was reported to Albert Lea police by more than one person, and she was ultimately arrested for felony threats of violence.

We applaud the individuals who reported the post to law enforcement, and we thank the police, who took this threat seriously. In today’s world, threats are no joking matter and could be a red flag to potential devastation planned in the future.

This incident is also good reminder to area youth of the nature of the internet and an example that illustrates the consequences that can come with making inappropriate or threatening posts online.

We encourage parents to discuss this matter with their children at the high school and stress to them that as with any other crime, if they see or hear something questionable, they should say something.

This involves the safety of our community’s children, and we should err on the side of caution.

It could mean the difference between life and death.