COLUMBIA, S.C. (WACH) -- Violent threats in schools are something that school district leaders across the state and country are dealing with. Superintendent Craig Witherspoon here with Richland One School District says the district is reviewing its safety plan after several recent threats. He says the district is considering purchasing metal detectors and taking other safety measures.

"Unfortunately, there has been an uptick in those number of threats and social media postings," said Witherspoon

On Monday— Alcorn Middle School in the Richland One School District had extra security on campus due to a threat that the district later found to be not credible.

"At times, there may be charges against students when those things happen so we need our students to understand - this is very serious business," said Witherspoon.

A student at Gilbert High School in Lexington County is facing charges after law enforcement say he threatened to quote “shoot up” schools this week. Just in Lexington County, there have been almost 200 incidents involving weapons being brought to school since 2017. This year, there have been 43 incidents so far in Lexington County. Most of those incidents were involving knives.

"Parents, understandably so, get very concerned," said Witherspoon.

School district leaders say they take every threat seriously and they're doing their best to prevent violence. District leaders warn students that even if the threat was intended as a joke, the consequences will be the same.

"There are consequences that happen that could interrupt a student's learning career," said Witherspoon.

Witherspoon says if any student hears or knows of a threat, report it immediately.

"Let a responsible adult know, let your parents know so we can put the proper mechanisms in place to address those things," said Witherspoon.

Witherspoon says the district frequently reviews their safety plan and they are doDiing everything they can to keep students safe.