TORONTO, May 5, 2026 – Toronto police said on May 5 that they are investigating bomb threats made by phone to multiple schools across the city. Police said the threats involved 11 schools, and that Bruce Jr. Public School in Leslieville and St. Augustine’s Seminary in Scarborough were evacuated. Police also said there is currently no evidence that the threats are credible, and investigators believe the calls may have come from the same person. For Chinese families with children in school, caregivers responsible for pickup, and residents living near affected schools, failing to confirm official school notices in time may lead to confusion or delays during pickup, return-to-school, or waiting arrangements.
According to police and local media reports, whether a school evacuates after receiving a threat depends on the school’s own on-site assessment. Police are still investigating the source of the threats and are urging the public to rely on information released by police, schools, and school boards, rather than spreading unverified details.
For parents, the most important thing to confirm is not what appears in social media rumours, but whether their child’s school has issued an official notice. That includes whether the school has been evacuated, whether dismissal is delayed, whether pickup locations have changed, and whether students have already been moved to a safe area. If the school has not asked parents to come early, families should avoid gathering at the school gate, as that may interfere with police and school operations.
For newcomer families who are not familiar with English-language notification systems, one common problem is seeing screenshots in group chats without checking school emails, automated calls, school apps, or school board updates first. Parents should prioritize official school messages. If they are still unsure, they can contact the school office directly, but should avoid repeatedly calling emergency lines for non-urgent questions.
In real pickup situations, a common reaction is for parents to rush to the school after hearing that “something happened,” only to find that students have not been released or that the school has already designated a separate pickup point. If this is not confirmed in advance, it can create congestion and increase anxiety for both children and adults. Parents should first confirm the school’s designated pickup location and time, then go according to the school’s instructions.
It is important to note that police saying the threats do not appear credible at this stage does not mean parents should ignore school instructions. Schools may still use different measures, including hold and secure, evacuation, delayed dismissal, or restricted access, depending on local conditions. Parents should follow the latest notice from their own child’s school rather than assuming every school is operating the same way.
If a child remains nervous afterward, is afraid to return to school, or keeps asking about safety, parents can respond in a brief and calm way by explaining that the school and police are handling the situation and that students should continue following teacher instructions. If anxiety continues, families may want to speak with the classroom teacher or school counsellor about support.
For families with school-age children, today’s most useful steps are threefold: make sure official school notifications are coming through normally, agree with children in advance on how to contact family and who will pick them up in an emergency, and remind children not to leave on their own during an alarm, evacuation, or lockdown-related situation, but to follow school staff directions. Checking notices before pickup and avoiding the spread of unverified messages can help reduce confusion and unnecessary panic. (LJI by Yuanyuan)
