"According to the nonprofit Educator’s School Safety Network, which tallies media reports, there were at least 1,267 bomb threats in schools across the country during the last academic year, roughly twice as many as in 2012-2013. That works out to about eight bomb threats per school day last year, researcher Amy Klinger said."
Final Bomb Incident Report for the 2015-2016 School Year Completed
School-based bomb threats are increasing at an alarming rate according to a well-known national school safety expert who just completed extensive research on bomb threat incidents.
School safety expert Dr. Amy Klinger says her research over the last 18 months shows a dramatic increase in school-based bomb threat incidents both over the last few years and specifically during the 2015-16 academic year.
“While incidents have been gradually increasing since 2012, in the 2015-2016 school year U.S. schools experienced 1,267 bomb threats, an increase of 158 percent compared to that same time period in 2012-2013, and an increase of 1,461% since November 2011.” Klinger said. The report found that all 50 states and several US territories experienced bomb threats this past school year. “While this report focuses on United States schools, our data indicates that this is an international phenomena as well, with school-related bomb incidents occurring at an increased rate in virtually every continent in more than 22 different countries this school year alone.”
The study also found that in addition to an average of 7.77 bomb threats per day this past school year alone, four explosive devices were found in schools, and one detonation occurred in a school. As a new school year begins, Klinger predicts a continued increase in bomb threats, as “the number of bomb incidents in the month of September increased 307% from 2012 – 2014, with an average of 84 bomb threats occurring every October, which means this isn’t just a spring problem, it’s a year round concern.”
Klinger is the Director of Programs for the Educator’s School Safety Network, a national non-profit school safety organization based in Ohio. She also serves as associate professor of educational administration at Ashland University in Ashland, Ohio.
“The vast majority of media reports related to school safety this school year have been about bomb threats,” Klinger said. “Our research indicates that bomb threats are currently a daily occurrence in schools.”
Her non-profit, Educator’s School Safety Network (ESSN), believes it is critical to move from mere speculation on this issue to actual facts and data. “We have compiled the most current information on bomb incidents in America’s schools to determine the scope and severity of the bomb incident problem, and it is significant.” she said.
“Based on our analysis of bomb threat data and trends, the sobering reality is that an explosive device will be detonated in an American school, and we must be ready,” Klinger said. “The question that must be considered is not ‘if’ an explosive device will be detonated in a school but rather ‘when.’
ESSN Trainers Present at Ohio Mental Health and Addiction Services Conference
Dr. Amy Klinger and Amanda Klinger presented a full day skill building workshop and morning session presentation at the Ohio Promoting Wellness and Recovery conference at Ohio University. Great people doing great work!
India's Mentor Magazine Features ESSN Work
The work of the Educator's School Safety Network is featured in the April 2016 issue of Mentor magazine, India's most respected journal for school leadership, principals and educators. The article, entitled "Emerging Issues in School Safety" discusses some of the critical issues facing schools throughout the world in ensuring the safety of their staff and students.
Bomb Threats in Schools Research Featured in Massachusetts Article
The Wakefield Patch is the latest newspaper to feature ESSN's research on bomb threat incidents in schools. The article features key findings of the study as well as interviews with Amanda Klinger.
Dr. Amy Klinger Presents at the National School Social Work Conference
Dr. Klinger presented at the 19th annual National School Social Work Conference held in Baltimore, MD on Friday, March 11, 2016. The presentation focused on violence prevention measures in schools.
ESSN Experts Interviewed by NBC Washington about Bomb Threat Incidents
Dr. Amy Klinger and Amanda Klinger were featured experts on an NBC Washington news report on the recent rash of bomb threat incidents in DC area schools.
Amy and Amanda Klinger Keynote BASA School Facilities and Safety Conference
Dr. Amy Klinger and Amanda Klinger were the keynote speakers at The Buckeye Association of School Administrators School Facilities and Safety Conference on March 9, 2016. The Klingers presented Now What? Critical Concerns for School Safety in a Dangerous World to key decision makers from throughout Ohio. A follow up break-out session in the afternoon provided opportunities for additional discussion and information.
Dr. Amy Klinger interviewed by USA Today regarding school bomb threats
ESSN experts were quoted in a USAToday article about the increase in bomb threats across america.
Interview with ESSN's Amanda Klinger on Mass Live
Another Interview from Mass Live featuring ESSN expert Amanda Klinger talking about the increase in bomb threats in the state of Massachusetts.
ESSN Bomb Threat Research Continues to Grab Attention
Various media outlets, including the Tech Times, have featured the work of Dr. Amy Klinger and Amanda Klinger in their research on school bomb threat incidents. The Washington Post first published the entire report, which was subsequently picked up by numerous media outlets.
ESSN Bomb Threat Report Published in the Washington Post
ESSN's recently released Bomb Threat Incidents in Schools report was published in its entirety in the Washington Post on March 4, 2016. An interview with Dr. Amy Klinger was also featured as part of the article, which was later picked up by other news outlets.
ESSN Research Featured in Beacon-Journal Article
ESSN's Bomb Threat Incidents in Schools report was featured in the Akron Beacon Journal in conjunction with a series of bomb threats across central Ohio in early March.
Dr. Amy Klinger Discusses School Threats with 13ABC News
Dr. Amy Klinger was the featured expert in a 13ABC news report on bomb and shooting threats occurring in local schools. Dr. Klinger discussed some of the factors that have contributed to the dramatic rise in school threats.
Amanda and Amy Klinger conduct training for law enforcement and school officials in Colorado
ESSN trainers Dr. Amy Klinger and Amanda Klinger conducted training for law enforcement and school officials in Adams County, Colorado. The Denver Post covered the training, sponsored by Adams County Coronor, Monrica Broncucia-Jordan.
ESSN Experts present to Indiana principals
Dr. Amy Klinger trained school administrators today at the Indiana Principals Conference, held in Indianapolis and sponsored by the Indiana Association of School Principals (November 24, 2015)
ESSN co-founders Dr. Amy Klinger and Amanda Klinger presented a breakout session at the Indiana Association of School Principals 2015 Assistant Principals Conference. (November 20, 2015)
Bomb threat training available now!
Administrative training today on a critical issue – bomb threat management in schools. Dr. Klinger provided Horizon Science Academy administrators with important training on responding and managing bomb threat incidents. (November 13, 2015).
Lockdown enhancements in Columbus
Training today at Horizon Science Academy in Columbus, Ohio. Dr. Klinger trained the entire staff in lockdown enhancements and alternatives as part of their professional development day. (October 12, 2015)