Credit: Tom Sofield/LevittownNow.com
Rumors of a TikTok challenge called “National Shoot Up Your School Day” led to districts increasing security for Friday.
Word of an alleged challenge quickly spread among school administrators and law enforcement across the nation leading up to Friday. Parents and students also heard of the alleged challenge, leading to concerns being voiced to local school districts.
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TikTok, a popular social media app, said in a statement they looked into the alleged challenge, but they didn’t find evidence of it on their platform.
“We handle even rumored threats with utmost seriousness, which is why we’re working with law enforcement to look into warnings about potential violence at schools even though we have not found evidence of such threats originating or spreading via TikTok,” they said in a statement.
In the Bristol Borough School District, which recently faced several local threats, Acting Superintendent Thomas Shaffer said the school system is working with police to increase security. He noted there were no specific threats against its facilities.
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Neshaminy School District Superintendent Dr. Rob McGee told parents police that cover the district were aware of the alleged social media challenge and officers will be in schools.
“We have no evidence of anything related to Pennsbury or any Pennsbury school, but it is important that we work together to ensure the safety of our students and staff. As a precaution, we are working with local law enforcement to ensure that they are aware of these threats and can provide support as necessary,” Pennsbury School District Superintendent Dr. Thomas Smith said in a letter to parents.
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The nationwide concern comes days after the nine-year anniversary of the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut that killed 20 students and six staff members dead.
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