The nexus between Lee County schools and law enforcement agencies has been a busy crossroads this week and last.

Cape Coral police arrested a 14-year-old Mariner Middle School student on Tuesday following an investigation into a shared a Snapchat photo that investigators say alluded to a possible school shooting at Mariner High School.

The girl was charged with written threat to conduct a mass shooting or act of terrorism.

The Lee County Sheriff’s Office arrested a 12-year-old middle schooler after the child reportedly displayed a weapon in the cafeteria at Lehigh Acres Middle school during lunch on Wednesday.

The Fort Myers Police Department began an investigation into the circulation of a video that allegedly shows “sexual acts” between two students in a bathroom at Fort Myers High School back in May.

And one more from last week.

Cape Coral police were called to Mariner High School last Wednesday after a brawl broke out during a pre-season scrimmage between Ida Baker High School and Dunbar High School’s basketball teams.

At least one person was injured in the fracas — Ida Baker’s head basketball coach Todd Stowe was struck to the floor and suffered a concussion and bruised ribs. There was at least one arrest — a 47-year-old attendee reported to have come out of the stands was charged with battery with intention to cause bodily harm for allegedly striking coach Stowe.

These things are serious.

Allusions to violence.

Threats of violence.

Actual violence.

And, well, we’re not quite sure how to classify the alleged, ummm, bathroom encounter but, as law enforcement points out, sharing video or any images of this type of incident would be a crime. With a possible felony charge at that.

There’s a full gamut here with a common theme — poor judgement has consequences.

We usually would add some suggestions now but the school district, and law enforcement, are a jump ahead of us so we offer their advice instead.

From Christopher Bernier, superintendent of schools for the School District of Lee County, in a message to parents sent Wednesday night:

… “I am personally reaching out to you this evening to ask for your help. Our community priority is the safety, security and education of our students. During the past few days, there has been an increase in incidents involving threats made by, and against our students.

“Safety in our community is a responsibility of everyone. If a student sees something, they must say something. As a member of our school and larger community, everyone has a moral responsibility to ensure the safety of all. Our staff and School Resource Officers are prepared to support any student who comes forward and protect the information that they provide.

“Threatening behavior can not and will not be tolerated. Students involved in this type of action will be disciplined at a school level, but may face serious legal consequences as well. Some of these consequences may follow a child into adulthood, impacting their college, career and future.

“Please take some time this evening to sit down and speak with your students about the importance of appropriate behavior both online and at school. It’s important for our students to clearly understand the consequences of their own behavior, but it is just as important they understand the responsibility they have to ensure safe learning environments. Remember, if they see something, then they have an obligation to say something, and we have an obligation to protect the information they provide…”

And, in this Snapchat/Instagram/socially connected world where a “share” is almost a reflex for kids, both a warning and some good advice from the Fort Myers Police Department:

“There is currently an active investigation into the incident and the possible circulation of a video allegedly depicting sexual acts between the two students. We strongly encourage anyone who receives any messaging involving sexual acts and minors, to NOT share or disseminate the information, instead report it! Sharing these types of videos and images is in violation of Florida State Statute and is a crime.

“Students should be mindful to be part of the solution and See Something Say Something, by reporting this type of information to school staff or the on-duty School Resource Officer.”

Those we entrust with the safety of our children are asking parents for two things: Our help to make sure our schools and campuses are safe places for all children and that we make sure our own children are safe from the very real consequences of actions they might not recognize as get-you-arrested serious.

As Dr. Bernier urged, we need to make sure our kids know that behavior deemed threatening, behavior deemed criminal, can result in some very unpleasant repercussions.

Because erring on the side of caution is now mandatory.

Given the current circumstances nationwide, it can not be anything less.

–Breeze editorial