Have you ever seen clown movies? There’s bunch: Clown House, Clown, etc. Some people have seen these demonic movies and are diagnosed with Coulrophobia. Coulrophobia is a phobia harbored by children and adults who fear clowns.

There have recently been an abundance of people dressing up as clowns, meandering the United States. This movement started in the 1990’s in South Carolina. When the children were playing outside, clowns approached them and lured the kids into the woods. Ever since then, clown sightings have been reported in more than two dozen states. Some of the people dressed as clowns have been arrested for threatening schools and assaulting children. Some incidents have led to injuries and one man in Southern Sweden was stabbed by a clown.  In Columbus Ohio, a teenager was walking to school and encountered a clown. NBC 4 News interviewed the kid and he revealed that he was chased by a clown holding a knife in his hand. In Germany, a clown had possession of a knife and gun who threatened two young men. Clown sightings are now expected to increase in the United States, UK, and even Australia.

Concern for child safety is growing. Journalist Robert Bartholomew stated in his article, “If a person is wearing a makeup or a mask, it is hard to know whether they are friend or foe.”

Reporter Tim Sargeant revealed that three students created an app called clown spotter. This unique app allows an individual to report clowns they come across and let other users know where these disturbing clowns are located. Since this has been a major epidemic in society, clowns outfits and mask have been banned from many stores in the United States, causing some controversy. In Tucson, Arizona there has been a “clown lives matters march”. A post on Facebook shared by Nikki Sinn, reads “ This is a peaceful walk to show clowns are not psycho killers.” He also tells media that “We want public to feel safe and not be afraid”. Even though people have knowledge about the “clown lives matter march” people are still terrified of clowns. So the next time you step foot outside your house be aware of your surroundings and if you see a clown report the individual to the police.