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Originally published Sept. 20, 2024
BELMONT COUNTY, Ohio – Why are so many local kids posting threats against schools on social media?
With the wave of these online threats to Ohio Valley schools in the past few weeks, many people are asking why this is happening and what can be done to stop it.
River News Network spoke exclusively with Dr. Tyanna (Ty) C. Snider, an expert in child psychology from Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus to learn more.
Snider is a pediatric psychologist at Nationwide Children’s Hospital and a Clinical Associate Professor at The Ohio State University.
Snider says caregivers and teachers need to consider the type of media consumption kids have, especially younger kids. Some students implicated in the Ohio Valley threat incidents are only in middle school. Two students were charged with inducing panic. Multiple schools including Martins Ferry, Buckeye Local, St. Clairsville, Edison and Weirton were closed or had lockdowns earlier this month due to threats.
The situation caught the attention of the FBI which issued a statement last week that the agency was working with local law enforcement to protect students and schools and investigate the threats.
Snider said with school shootings being in the news in recent weeks, kids may be exposed to media information that they might not be able to completely understand. Caregivers and teachers should try to help kids manage how they consume media and ask kids questions about what they are seeing and what they think about it. Snider says there is a lot of misinformation that the adults in kids’ lives can help them identify.
Snider added that children can model behaviors they see online and in the media. Some threats could be copycat reactions to what kids see online and in the media.
How a child’s peer group responds to media or something posted online can also influence that child, she says. If the other kids think making a threat or bullying someone is funny, the peer group might consider this acceptable behavior. The negative behavior becomes normalized.
Sometimes children do not understand that there are consequences to negative actions, Snider said. Kids can hit send or share something online instantly without thinking it through.
They can’t see the consequences. Kids don’t think of the repercussions.
Dr. Tyanna (Ty) C. Snider, Pediatric Psychologist, Nationwide Children’s Hospital
Snider says some mental health issues like ADHD can cause kids to act impulsively and not even consider the repercussions of a negative action like posting a school threat.
Snider says social media exposure can be harmful to some kids. It can have a negative impact on real-world social development and lead to increased anxiety and depression as well as lowered academic performance. Kids can also have lower self-esteem.
Snider warns that online safety is critical. She stresses that it is important to maintain offline, real-world ties. She warns that kids who try to connect with other kids online may not be talking to another child. They could be talking to an adult predator.
Snider recommends setting house rules for children regarding social media and setting limits on how much they can use it. Warning signs that a child may be spending too much time online include ignoring or avoiding real, face-to-face interactions.
Snider recommends having screen-free times each day, especially before bedtime. She says this screen-free time should include parents and caregivers, not just kids. If kids see the adults taking a break from their phones and tablets, it will reinforce this positive behavior, she says. Snider says this tip works and it’s something she does with her own family.
Parents and caregivers know their child best and can make the best plan for helping their child handle social media, but help is available if needed.
Caregivers are the experts on their child.
Dr. Tyanna (Ty) C. Snider, Pediatric Psychologist, Nationwide Children’s Hospital
Caregivers should open up a dialogue with their child to prevent behavioral problems. She suggests asking kids about their school friends and the best and worst part of their day. She says its important to be supportive and promote conversation.
Snider listed signs a child may have a mental health issue including social withdrawal, decreased social functioning, tearfulness, poor sleep, declining grades and physical symptoms like an upset stomach. These symptoms could spell a serious issue if they continue for two or more weeks.
A child needs immediate help if they talk about harming themselves, dying or wanting to disappear.
Snider suggests caregivers contact their pediatrician, school counselor or mental health professional. Snider says you can also learn more about kids’ mental health from the Kids Mental Health Foundation and the Nationwide Children’s website.