DELAND, FL – A 13-year-old boy was arrested after authorities say he asked ChatGPT for advice on killing a friend while at Southwestern Middle School in Deland, Florida. The incident prompted a swift response from law enforcement and raised concerns about school safety and the use of AI tools by minors.
How the Incident Unfolded
According to the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office, the situation came to light when a school resource deputy learned the boy had allegedly asked ChatGPT: “How to kill my friend in the middle of class.”
The alert was triggered through Gaggle, a school-safety platform that scans school-issued accounts and flags potentially concerning content. The platform immediately notified school officials, who contacted law enforcement.
Police Response and Teen’s Explanation
Authorities arrived at the school promptly to investigate. During questioning, the teen reportedly told deputies he was “trolling” a friend who had upset him, claiming the request to ChatGPT was a joke.
The Volusia Sheriff’s Office described the incident as: “Another ‘joke’ that created an emergency on campus.” Officials also advised parents to talk to their children about the potential consequences of making such statements or using AI tools irresponsibly.
Charges and Public Information
The teen’s identity has not been released due to his age. As of now, details regarding the specific charges he faces have not been disclosed. The Volusia Sheriff’s Office has not provided further comments, and the timeline of the incident has not been clarified.
Multiple outlets, including VICE, Gizmodo, UPI, and WFLA, have reported on the arrest, with WFLA publishing coverage on October 1, 2025.
Broader Concerns About AI Use in Schools
This case highlights growing concerns about students using AI tools like ChatGPT for potentially harmful purposes. Schools and parents are being urged to monitor digital activity, educate children on responsible AI use, and take AI threats seriously—even when framed as jokes.
The incident also underscores the importance of platforms like Gaggle in alerting authorities to potentially dangerous behavior before it escalates.
Call to Action
What are your thoughts on the role of AI in schools and how to prevent misuse by minors? Share your thoughts in the comments below and discuss ways parents, educators, and students can work together to ensure a safe learning environment.
