SPRINGFIELD — More than 40 threats have been made to various locations in Springfield, prompting state troopers to patrol every school.
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As reported on News Center 7 at 5:00 p.m., it’s been a very anxiety-inducing time for parents and students.
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“Crazy... Yeah, that’s about the word I can use is crazy,” Bryan Peterson, a Springfield resident said when asked about the recent threats.
From schools to grocery stores, to college campuses, threats have plagued the city of Springfield.
And the unrest is weighing on people.
“It’s very scary. You don’t know if it’s actually for real or if somebodies just playing a joke and it’s not a joke, it’s very serious,” Connie Hall, a Springfield resident said.
Parents are left trying to comfort their kids.
“She’s a little fearful. I try to, you know, comfort her, calm her down,” Peterson said.
Some students want to avoid school altogether.
“I mean, to get the kids panicked, they don’t even want to go to school some of them,” Hall said.
Dr. Julie Stucke, a child psychologist with Dayton Children’s says conversations are very important. She suggests following your child’s lead, but don’t be afraid to ask them about it either.
“That is not going to cause your child to feel more anxiety. It might give them that opportunity to then talk about what’s happening and how they’re feeling about it,” Stucke said.
Anxiety is a normal response to something like this, for both adults and children.
“I’m sure there are probably a lot of adults in the community who are feeling anxious about it too. So you know, they also need to pay attention to how they’re feeling and how their feelings might be impacting their kids,” Stucke said.
To address concerns, reassure them of the steps taken to keep them safe. Like state troopers being at each school.
“Reminding them that they’re there too to keep them safe should let them know that you know, everything is okay and that this is going to pass too,” Stucke said.
It’s the extra steps being taken that are easing the minds of parents News Center 7 talked to.
“There was two of them out here standing which kind of helps a lot with your anxiety and everything that’s going on,” Hall said.
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