Creepy clown sightings unnerve children

NEW YORK (FOX 5 NEWS) - Clown hysteria is fueling fear across the country with numerous scary sightings. The clown frenzy was first born in South Carolina this summer after reports surfaced that clowns were trying to lure children into the woods.

In New York City, a teen told police a clown pulled out a kitchen knife and just stared at him. Several schools in the New York area have decided to ban clown costumes altogether.

Community activist Tony Hebert even held a news conference Friday to issue a clown warning.

With all this sending in of the clowns, it appears children are the ones now most afraid.

Dr. Jeptha Tausig, a clinical psychologist, says that recently several parents have asked her about ways to allay their child's clown fears. If your child is truly in a panic over clowns, speak to your pediatrician. But experts agree that most children get over their clown phobia eventually