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Round Rock Bomb Threat Came from Saudi Arabia

The Round Rock Independent School District says a bomb threat that led to the evacuation of two schools earlier this week originated in the Saudi Kingdom.

News 8 Austin reports:

The threat came when a juvenile suspect from Saudi Arabia became Facebook friends with several students from Deerpark Middle School. They said the suspect had access to students’ personal information including cell phone numbers, and used those tools to threaten the students. The Williamson County Sherriff’s Office said the suspect was never in the United States during any of the threats.

Round Rock ISD says the incident could have been avoided if students had followed the safety procedures posted on its website.

Never give out any personal information to anyone on the Internet (including name, address, phone, age, friend’s names, school location, etc.) Never arrange a face-to-face meeting with anyone you have met on the Internet. Parents should search and monitor their child’s social networking accounts. Make sure your child’s online “friends” are people they actually know. Always maintain access to your child’s online account and randomly check his/her e-mail. Be upfront with them about your access and the reasons why. Make sure you understand how your children are using the computer, what Web sites they are visiting, and who they are communicating with online. Never upload (post) pictures of yourself, or your friends/family, on the Internet or send to anyone you do not know personally. Periodically check your child’s cell phone use and text messages to see who your child is communicating with. For additional safety tips visit www.onguardonline.gov

Nathan Bernier is the transportation reporter at KUT. He covers the big projects that are reshaping how we get around Austin, like the I-35 overhaul, the airport's rapid growth and the multibillion dollar transit expansion Project Connect. He also focuses on the daily changes that affect how we walk, bike and drive around the city. Got a tip? Email him at nbernier@kut.org. Follow him on Twitter @KUTnathan.