GRUNDY, Va. — Police say an incident Tuesday at a Grundy school illustrates the importance of teaching children to choose their words carefully.

School staff at Riverview Elementary/Middle School overheard a student in the hallway yelling, “He’s got a gun! He’s got a gun!” Staff members quickly isolated the student and a school resource officer from the Buchanan County Sheriff’s Office began an immediate search for a weapon.

However, following a search of the school and students, no weapons were found. As a result, the sheriff’s office says there was no danger to students or staff at any time.

They also say parents need to teach children not to make such statements as a joke.

“We encourage parents and guardians to speak with their children about the importance of using language responsibly, especially in school settings,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement to the media. “Clear communication and understanding are essential in fostering a safe and supportive learning environment.”

The sheriff’s office says an investigation into the incident is continuing and additional deputies were placed at the school out of an abundance of caution.