Bad decisions, even for kids, have serious consequences.

There are consequences for bad decisions. Well, even good decisions can have unexpected consequences, but bad decisions can come back to haunt us even more than we anticipated or imagined.

Some student-athletes at Post Falls High School are learning this lesson the hard way. 

While details have not been released, some students reportedly did something foolish on school grounds that involved a “concerning photograph.” 

The incident apparently had something to do with firearms, as the district released a comment that stated the students in question were in violation of PFSD Board Policy 504.12, which deals with "Weapons Prohibited on School Property." 

"It is prohibited for any student to threaten by word or act to use a firearm or other deadly or dangerous weapon to do violence to any other person on school grounds," the policy reads in part. 

Now, if the “concerning photograph” did involve students with any kind of weapon on school grounds, the district has an obligation to take action. It can’t brush it aside. It can't take it lightly. It can't let it slide. When it comes to firearms, even toy guns can’t be used in a joking manner. It’s simply not appropriate in this day and age when there are so many shootings. There is no gray here area. As the district itself noted, even simulated weapons, which includes toys, can’t be brought on school property and can result in suspension. 

But before we say throw the book at them, let’s remember we are dealing with kids. And kids, much like adults, do dumb things. Only kids at least have the excuse of youth and immaturity on their side. Kids don't always consider the impacts of their words and actions. 

As we stated, bad decisions have consequences. It sounds like students involved here are paying a steep price for a big mistake, and their parents and others protested this during a small school walkout Tuesday morning. Certainly, they should be expected to fight for their children, even when they do something foolish. But parents must also recognize when their children must be held accountable for their actions. We fall back on the age-old cliche, the punishment should fit the crime. 

Whatever happened, we assume the students have apologized. We assume they are asking for grace. We assume they didn't mean any harm. The school board will consider it. But there are some acts that can't be walked back. 

Growing up, life is full of hard lessons. This may be one of them.