Florida Student Arrested After Asking ChatGPT a Question

Student arrested in Florida for ChatGPT question

Serious AI-related prank

Parents must supervise technology use

A 13-year-old student from Southwestern Middle School in Florida was arrested after authorities detected a message in which he asked ChatGPT how to kill his friend in class, according to the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office.

The incident became public on September 27 through the Sheriff’s Office Facebook page, prompting an immediate response from school staff and local law enforcement.

The school monitoring system, Gaggle, which oversees concerning behavior and messages on digital platforms, was the one to alert officials about the potential threat.

Student Arrested for Asking ChatGPT Concerning Question

A 13-year-old student arrested for ChatGPT question after asking the AI how to kill his friend.

The minor, identified as Ian Franco, was arrested after a school monitoring system detected the disturbing query. #Mundo https://t.co/gL1evkZSj8 pic.twitter.com/RT6geJe9ZY

— Perú21 (@peru21noticias) October 2, 2025

The school administration and campus officers intervened immediately in response to the potential threat, according to Infobae.

The case has reignited debate about the influence of artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT on youth interactions, emphasizing the need to educate students about responsible AI use and the potential risks involved.

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Authorities have stressed that parental supervision is essential to prevent such “pranks” from turning into serious legal consequences.

The boy remains in custody and now faces legal charges for his behavior, according to the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office.

School Alert After the Message

The alarm was triggered when the student, identified as Ian Franco, wrote: “How to kill my friend in the middle of class.”

When confronted by authorities, Franco claimed he was “just joking,” saying his ChatGPT query was meant as a prank against a classmate who had been bothering him.

The official statement emphasized that even if meant as jokes, such acts directly involve law enforcement and can create critical situations within the school community.

The Sheriff’s Office urged parents: “Please talk to your children so they don’t make the same mistake,” highlighting the seriousness of posting messages of this kind.

Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence

Experts remind the public that the combination of easy access to AI technologies and the lack of digital education can increase the risk of similar incidents in school environments.

Parents and educators should maintain open communication channels and monitor digital platform use to ensure potentially dangerous messages are not taken lightly.

This case shows how a digital prank can quickly turn into a serious legal matter and a challenge for school safety — underscoring the importance of prevention and technology education from an early age.