Selkirk Junior High School where two 14-year-old girls have been arrested after uttering threats against the personal safety of several students at the school. (QMI/Brian Donogh)

WINNIPEG -- Two 14-year-old girls had no idea their words would get them into so much trouble when they allegedly threatened to kill fellow students at a Selkirk school, an administrator says.

Gail Bagnall, superintendent of the Lord Selkirk School Division, said the teens made the alleged threats via cellphone text message and Internet messaging services out of anger during the two-week Christmas break.

No one disclosed the reason the girls allegedly threatened classmates or students at Ecole Selkirk Junior High School, claiming they would bring weapons, including firearms, to school.

Regardless of whether the suspects intended to follow through, the threats were taken seriously and action was taken immediately by police and administrators.

The girls were arrested, charged with uttering threats, and are in custody at the Manitoba Youth Centre.

"They had no idea of the impact their words would have," Bagnall said.

The threats were reported New Year's Eve. Some students who received them told their parents and RCMP were notified.

No weapons have been seized, said Selkirk RCMP Staff Sgt. Mike Gibbs.

The suspects communicated with each other electronically and became angrier, leading to the threats, which were delivered via MSN instant messenger and Facebook, Bagnall said.

At least one student was threatened in a text message, Gibbs said.

"It's pretty serious stuff," Gibbs said.

The girls have been suspended indefinitely but a final decision on their status within the school division hasn't been made.

Serves a lesson

Bagnall said the school's principal, accompanied by two RCMP officers, spoke to students at an assembly when classes resumed Monday, discussing responsibility and safety and commending the students who told their parents.

A letter was sent home with students to explain to their parents or guardians what happened and what action was taken, she said.

Bagnall said the incident serves as a lesson for students and parents about today's technology.

Kids don't fully understand the implications of the things they write or post on the Internet, especially in anonymity, she said, noting they often write things they wouldn't say in person, she said.

"They don't see the complications of it or the consequences until much later," Bagnall said.

Ecole Selkirk Junior High School has about 500 students in grades 7 to 9.

Last month, a 13-year-old boy was stabbed during an after-school argument on the school's playground, allegedly by a 16-year-old boy.

chris.kitching@sunmedia.ca