Is the Pandemic to Blame for Surge in Lakes Area School Threats

DETROIT LAKES (KDLM) – A surge of threats to area schools has some parents wondering what’s going on.

Recent threats have been made to schools in Detroit Lakes, Lake Park, a number of schools in the Fargo-Moorhead metro and most recently Pequot Lakes where classes were canceled, Monday after a threat was discovered on social media.

Mark Jenson, Detroit Lakes School’s Superintendent says some of the behavior issues he and other educators have noticed may be linked to the ongoing Pandemic, “What we’ve noticed is that with the quarantine and the lockdown, kids have forgotten what school looks like sometimes, so you see some more of that behavior stuff sometimes.”

Jenson isn’t alone, educators and law enforcement across the country have reported upticks in threats, fights and behavior issues in schools; many saying students are experiencing anxiety and depression that may be linked to ongoing pandemic restrictions.

In early December, U.S. Surgeon General Vivek H. Murthy issued a rare public health advisory about the crisis facing youth mental health. While children and adolescents have increasingly reported feeling distressed over the past years, the hardships brought on by the pandemic have compounded the pain, Murthy said.

Experts say the mental health of children and youth will require a whole-of-society effort to help create positive, safe and affirming environments; recognizing signs of changes in mental and physical health; and taking appropriate action when needed.