Why do kids make school threats? Psychologist weighs in
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AUGUSTA, Ga. - There’s been a rash of threats and alerts at schools in the CSRA since last week’s fatal shooting at Apalachee High School.
These threats aren’t being taken lightly by law enforcement, leading to disciplinary action and reports to law enforcement.
Authorities say the consequences can be expulsion and a misdemeanor, or it could escalate beyond that. In the case of suspected Apalachee shooter Colt Gray, he drew the attention of authorities last year after allegedly making online threats to schools.
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The Georgia Bureau of Investigation said the suspected shooter in last week’s deadly Apalachee High School shooting brought an AR-style rifle with him to school in a backpack.
Dr. Ed Connor is a licensed psychologist in the region who treats teens who have been accused of making threats of violence toward their schools.
He said there are many different reasons why a teen might want to make a threat, suggesting some may be dealing with trauma, and others could want attention without knowing the consequences.
“First thing I want to know is, is there a history of aggression?” Connor said. “The best predictor of a future behavior is past behavior.”
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The father of the suspected Apalachee High School shooter, also facing charges himself, filed a motion to be separated from the other inmates in Barrow County custody.
He also said this is why parents should closely monitor their child’s social media activity, and talk with their kids regularly.
“Parents have got to stop worrying that ‘if I get my child counseling or mental health that means I’m a bad parent,’” Connor said. “That’s not the case. That means you’re a good parent. You’re getting your child what they need.”
Authorities say parents need to alert law enforcement and school officials if they learn their child is making threats. Even if it’s considered a joke, the consequences are not handled lightly.
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Since the shooting that killed four people nearly a week ago at Apalachee High School, school resource officers there have been praised for their response to the shooting.
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp said the Apalachee shooting affected the state much like the 9/11 attacks did.
“Just as our nation was shaken to its core 23 years ago, so too was our state just one week ago today, when we lost four Georgians and witnessed even more injured by evil and senseless actions just as we did in the days following the September 11th attacks,” Kemp said during a ceremony marking the anniversary of 9/11.
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