TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - Since the massacre at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, law enforcement across the country report several cases of students making threats to schools.
These threats are disrupting the surrounding communities and are causing many parents to worry about their children's safety.
Most of us, including students, are active on social media, and have seen the countless stories and posts about last week's shooter, and other gunmen.
While scrolling through newsfeeds, some children see the recognition that these shooters receive and are looking for similar attention. Making threats toward an individual or school is a serious matter, but one therapist believes most of these students do not mean any harm.
"I don't ever truly feel like these children are pure evil," said Beth Hicks, a licensed clinical social worker and family and children therapist. "Yes, they're doing it out of malicious [intent], but it's more about themselves and their inner hatred toward themselves and expelling that in an outward manner.
Hicks tells WTXL ABC 27 that it's important to really focus on the mental health needs of middle and high school children, as those years can be very busy, trying, and stressful.
If a parent or adult sees that a child has thoughts of killing or harming themselves or others, Hicks asks that you don't waste any time in getting them the help they need from a therapist or other resource in town.
