Parents in the Northshore School District received an email on Friday, warning of two possible luring incidents near school bus stops.
In the message to parents, school district representatives said the incidents occurred near Skyview Middle School, as well as near Canyon Park Middle School.
In both cases, students reported that a man pulled up to them near school bus stops and offered them free flowers. Northshore School District officials said that students declined the offer and law enforcement was notified.
In Bothell, the incidents caused parents to have tough conversations with their teenagers.
"Right away, I said to my kids, 'if someone comes to you, and offers anything, just say no' and walk away from there," said Northshore parent Mureli Thlanki.
KOMO News asked Northshore administrators for an on-camera interview about this story, but they declined our request. Instead, they issued a statement saying that both possible luring instances were reported to the district's Safety and Security Department. As a result, school security guards, as well as district transportation workers, are now on extra alert for anything suspicious.
"Our students did the right thing by declining the offer and reporting the incident," school district leaders told parents in an email. "The District has also made NSD transportation and drivers aware. This is a reminder for all families and students to report any suspicious behavior immediately."
Should similar incidents happen, school district leaders said students or parents should call 911 immediately. Students were also reminded to never get into a vehicle with a stranger, and to never accept anything a stranger offers them.
According to a 2015 report by the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, attempted abductions happen more often when a child is going to and from school or school-related activities. Researchers found that the risk was greatest for school-age children on school days between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m. and after school between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m.