Rumored School Violence TikTok Trend Monitored In Arlington

Arlington VA

16 December, 2021

5:29 PM

Description

ARLINGTON, VA — Law enforcement agencies and school districts across the country are monitoring reports of a TikTok challenge that has encouraged students to threaten gun violence at their schools on Friday, Dec. 17. Arlington Public Schools said it is aware of the TikTok post that refers to a threat to school safety "for every school in the USA, even elementary" on Friday. The school system said it is working closely with the Arlington County Police Department to ensure the safety of students and staff. "The post appears to be part of a national TikTok trend and did not originate in our school district," Arlington Public Schools said in an email sent to parents and families Thursday afternoon. "We have heard reports from other districts that the same post is circulating in their schools. While we do not believe the threat to be credible, we are closely monitoring the situation and taking it seriously." The ACPD, based on its information-sharing with local, state and federal law enforcement partners, believes there "are no known specific or identified threats to Arlington County," the email said. This latest TikTok post "serves as a good example of why it is important to avoid sharing posts online that refer to school safety threats," Arlington Public Schools said. Even if the threats are not credible, they can cause a great deal of stress and anxiety for students, families and staff, the school system said. "We ask our families to monitor their children's social media activity and speak with them about proper behavior online," APS said in the email. "If you or your child become aware of any potential threat posted to social media or anywhere else, please notify a school staff member or trusted adult right away." While it's unclear where the December rumor originated, a news release issued by the Tooele County School District in Utah said the original threat started as a way for students to skip school, but "morphed into something much more disturbing." According to some reports, the December challenge is one of several in a string of monthly challenges stemming from the social media platform. In September, another challenge called "Devious Licks" encouraged raucous acts of vandalism at schools. To participate in the challenge, students and TikTok users shattered mirrors, stole soap dispensers, fire alarms and football field turf, and intentionally clogged toilets, all while filming the antics to post on TikTok. RELATED: TikTok 'Devious Licks Challenge' Pushes Schools To Brink