WORCESTER, Mass. – A series of threats sent to Worcester Public Schools students were determined not credible by police.
What You Need To Know
- Worcester police have determined recent threats sent to WPS students are not credible
- An added police presence will likely be in place around Worcester schools this week as a precaution
- Experts say the threats may have some students confused or anxious
- The threats follow similar incidents at other Massachusetts schools last week
In a joint statement between the Worcester Police Department and Worcester Public Schools, authorities said it’s safe to send children to school, and there were extra police patrols Monday morning.
“Additionally, we have shared information with our staff to increase vigilance around visitor management and to ensure safety protocols are being followed,” the statement read.
On Saturday, several students from multiple Worcester schools reported seeing threatening messages, and police are currently investigating.
Kathleen Quinn, a licensed clinical social worker who often sees children going through trauma, said violence or threats of violence in schools has become all too common.
“Since Columbine, there have been 411 school shootings, so children are basically living in this reality,” Quinn said. “It’s very hard to reassure them they will be safe when on the news daily, they realize they’re not safe.”
Quinn added that elementary-aged students are likely going through some confusion, in addition to anxiety.
“Children have told me, ‘Well, if I see a fire engine pull up, I know it's OK because it's a drill,'” Quinn said. “But other than that, they're not really aware. So a lot of children with anxiety have more anxiety. And we're definitely living in a society where children are much more anxious than they were 20 years ago.”
These latest threats follow a handful of similar incidents in Massachusetts. Last week, a message was found on a bathroom wall at Chelmsford High School, threatening future harm to the school. Pittsfield police charged three juveniles over threats made online.
Quinn said it’s an important lesson for parents as well.
“Parents will see on their social media that a threat has been put out, but a lot of times, parents are unaware of what’s happening, so it’s important to check social media and talk to your kids,” Quinn said.
Officers with the Worcester Police Department will continue to have an added presence near schools over the next few days as a precautionary measure, and thanked students and caregivers who brought the threats to their attention.