Parents and students in the Hudson Valley say they're worried for their safety after an increasing number of school threats.

The alarming trend is part of a growing number of non-credible social media threats posted online against schools throughout the country and the Hudson Valley.

As a result, students like sixth grader Ethel Gotsch have had to learn some crucial lessons.

"I guess you always understand that stuff is going to happen, especially with everything that's going on in the world," she says.

Mary Ann Penzero, a teacher in Yonkers, says she is very concerned.

"I worked for a school that had to put in metal detectors right after Columbine. It headed off a lot. So, awareness starts at home," she says.

The most recent threats of violence came just last Friday when a 16-year-old girl was charged with making a terroristic threat.

Haverstraw police say her post warned of a potential shooting that was going to happen within the North Rockland School District.

Investigators say the threat was not credible.

There have been other recent threats against various schools in Dutchess County, Carmel, Orange County, Bronxville and Upper Nyack.

Veronica Vaiti is a licensed therapist and founder of the New York City-based Bhava Therapy Group. She recommends that parents help their children cope by being clear about the threats that exist.

She advises parents to maintain a sense of calm and routine at home. She also says parents should encourage their children to report to police or administrators any incidents that are out of the ordinary.