Colorado Springs behavioral expert: ‘Threats may be cry for attention’

There’s been at least a dozen threats made in schools across Colorado within the past two weeks, and clinicians who study child behavior have reason to believe there’s a psychological motive behind these crimes.

The most recent one targeted students at Webster Elementary School in El Paso County with a message found inside the boys’ bathroom.

“I worry about sending my kids to school, thinking am I going to get a call,” said Edward Mouchette, a parent of three and former child crimes investigator for the Department of Justice. “Enough is enough, everything that is happening right now is a shame.”

AspenPointe Director and Clinician Charlton Clarke explains these threats may be a cry for attention.

“Maybe someone who feels, ‘Hey I’m not getting noticed,’ or ‘I feel powerless,’ this might be something they would do to get attention,” Clarke said.

Clarke also acknowledged the difficulty parents have with knowing exactly how to talk to their kids about what’s going on at schools.

“When you have younger kids, it’s a lot of listening and asking how that made them feel, and then reassuring them that they’re safe,” Clarke said.

Clarke said for older kids, it’s best to focus on their feelings that directly relate to the shooter or bullying within schools.

A national organization called the Educator’s School Safety Network reported Wednesday that more than 600 threats were made in schools across the country since the Florida high school shooting.

If you need access to immediate counseling, AspenPointe offers a walk-in clinic any time of day with no payment.