TikTok School Threat: Framingham 'Working Closely' With Police

Framingham MA

16 December, 2021

5:56 PM

Description

FRAMINGHAM, MA — Framingham Superintendent Robert Tremblay is reacting to an apparent TikTok challenge encouraging violence in schools on Friday. Tremblay said no one had directed any threats at Framingham schools, but that local police and school officials are "working closely" to keep students safe on Friday. The TikTok challenge reportedly encourages gun violence. "This situation serves as an example of why it is important to avoid sharing posts online that refer to school safety threats," Tremblay said in a letter to parents on Thursday. "Even if they are not credible threats, they can cause a great deal of stress and anxiety for our students, families, and staff. We ask our families to speak with their children and monitor their social media activity, especially on Snapchat and TikTok, where rumors about potential episodes of school violence are typically shared." 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. The TikTok challenge is just the latest in a string of threats at local schools following a shooting at a high school in Michigan on Nov. 30. Two teens were facing charges at Worcester Technical High School following a threat, and another student in Milford was under investigation for a threat. Related: MA Police, Schools On High Alert For TikTok Challenge