ORLANDO, Fla. – A series of recent arrests involving teens accused of making school threats is raising serious concerns among mental health professionals across Central Florida.
In the past few weeks, four teens — all under the age of 16 — have been taken into custody in separate cases involving alleged threats of violence against schools.
“I would consider any of these acts a crisis,” said Dr. Lisa Spector, Division Chief of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics at Nemours Children’s Hospital.
News 6 has reported on multiple incidents. In Seminole County, two high school students, ages 14 and 15, were arrested after investigators say they were involved in an alleged murder plot tied to an obsession with the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooter.
[WATCH: Seminole County high school girls accused in murder plot, report shows]
In Flagler County, deputies arrested two other teens, ages 13 and 11, accused of making two separate school shooting threats.
“I think it’s important for us to be aware that this is often just the tip of the iceberg,” Dr. Spector explained. “Children or teens may have mental, emotional, behavioral, or health disorders that have not been diagnosed.”
According to Dr. Spector, adolescence is a critical period of brain development.
“Teens’ brains are still under construction,” she said. “They are not fully formed, not fully mature, and that impacts their emotional regulation and impulse control.”
She cautions that while the alleged actions are serious, they may reflect deeper struggles rather than a teen being beyond help.
[WATCH: Checking your child’s mental health during the school year]
“It could be things going on at home, things going on at school, or things they are seeing and witnessing on screens,” Dr. Spector said.
Mental health experts emphasize that early intervention can make a difference. Dr. Spector recommends a comprehensive evaluation by a mental health specialist if concerning behaviors arise.
For parents, she outlines three key steps:
First, pay attention to what your child is saying.
Second, ask questions. “People are sometimes afraid to ask what is going on,” Dr. Spector noted.
Finally, “act.” If a teen needs help, seek support immediately through school counselors, pediatricians, or mental health professionals.
Dr. Spector stresses that truly listening to teens may reveal early warning signs — giving families a chance to intervene before a situation becomes dangerous for the child or others.
If you need more help with your child, we have some resources below, and more at ClickOrlando.com/mentalhealth.
- How to get mental health help in Central Florida: CLICK HERE
- Trying to convince someone to get mental health help? Remember these tips: CLICK HERE
- What parents should watch for with their child’s mental health: CLICK HERE