LCSO investigating numerous threats against Lee County schools

Lee County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a wave of threats against four local schools.

The latest one was at Lehigh Middle School, where a student was arrested for threatening violence against the school.

Another student was arrested for making a threat against Gateway High School over social media.
Riverdale High School’s principal sent parents an e-mail about a student there arrested for posting a threat on social media.

On Thursday, a student at Lehigh Elementary School was arrested for making a threat.

Lee County School Superintendent Christopher Bernier also contacted parents with this message:
“Threatening behavior is not, and will never be tolerated. Students involved in such actions will not only face discipline at the school level but will also encounter serious legal consequences that could affect their college careers and future paths.”

He also spoke about the importance of working together to create a safe environment for everyone in the Lee County School District.

The cause for the threats could be a lack of communication or even a cry for help, according to mental health professionals WINK News spoke to.

“They start to see the world in like a victim victimizer perspective, and you know, they don’t want to feel victimized, so in order to feel empowered, and to feel a sense of control and to feel more powerful, they lash out,” said Dr. Laura Streyfeller, licensed mental health counselor.

So, as a parent, what can you do? Well, exactly what the superintendent is asking.

But not just after a school threat. Talk regularly because oftentimes, students are going through a lot more than you think.

“Maybe they’re getting picked on in school; maybe they’re feeling invisible; maybe things are going on at home. Could be all of the above,” Streyfeller said.

If you don’t talk to them, they’ll seek answers elsewhere.

“Media has a great influence now on our children, and what they find acceptable or cool right amongst their peers,” said Diana Salazar, Sunshine State Counseling therapist.

This can lead to unhealthy ways of tackling whatever they’re going through.

In addition, the mental health experts said that if you notice your child isolating from friends or family or not talking about school or their emotions, that could be a sign something is wrong and a conversation needs to be had.