Just the threat of a shooting or bomb can cause all sorts of chaos for schools.
We've seen it almost non-stop here in Michigan since the school shooting in Parkland Florida.
FOX 47's Alani Letang asked parents and a local superintendent about a new plan to crack down on them.
Tuesday morning in Detroit police and the US Attorney's office called it an epidemic. They said they'll be going after the people making threats, with a potential 20-year sentence on the table.
Letang talked with a mom and Bath Public Schools Superintendent Jake Huffman, who agree it's time to get serious about the problem.
"That needs to happen when the nation is scared to send their kids to school which is something that I never thought that I'd have to be scared of for my children," said Lisa Wilson, parent.
Lisa Wilson is a mom who doesn't think a mere suspension is much of a deterrent for people who make school threats.
She said, "parents lost children and it's not something you should be joking or laughing about. It's not a fun little trick or April Fools prank, it's serious."
Huffman told FOX 47 when a threat is made the district suspends the student and gets the police involved immediately.
He said it's necessary to take that step because of the disruption and anxiety threats can cause.
"In addition to suspension or expulsion, whatever happens at the school level there should be external consequences as well," said Jake Huffman, Bath Public Schools Superintendent.
Huffman said this is a good conversation for parents and students to have so kids understand their actions can lead to serious punishment.
"Kids will start to make some better decisions for the threats that are coming from kids and for the threats that are coming from outside of the school from adults and that ceases as well," said Huffman.
The next step is to make sure students understand the consequences of making a threat.
Police will be sending that message when they visit schools around Michigan.
Do you think this will mean fewer threats for schools? You can join the conversation right now on our facebook page.
