One of the big issues here locally has been the rise of school threat hoaxes across the Houston area.
"Threats could be because kids think they're funny, some could be a hoax, and some very well could be a cry for help" said HISD Police Chief, Shamara Garner, "What's important for students to know is that when a threat is made and it evokes fear, that's a crime."
A crime that has been on the rise, way too much. Especially here in Houston. But is it the new normal?
"I certainly hope not, as a mother of small children" said Dr. April Peters, a UH professor and former school principal, "But I do think that we have to do something drastic in order to address this, and I think schools bear a lot of responsibility."
They need more counseling, more training, and more from parents.
"Over the years I have seen the communication between school and home become decreased, and I think maybe if we had more in that way, then parents would have a better idea of what's going on" Dr. Peters told KTRH, "And even if it's nothing, it's better to have those conversations with our children than to assume that everything is ok."
As for the hoaxes, they are not ok. Kids need to know that they will be charged with a felony, and likely expelled.