TikTok Threat 'Not Credible': Baltimore County Public Schools

BALTIMORE COUNTY, MD — Officials with Baltimore County Public Schools say a threat on TikTok targeting schools is "not credible" and that it began in another state.

"BCPS has been made aware of an anonymous threat posted on TikTok targeting all schools in the United States," the school system said in a statement Thursday.

TikTok is a social media platform where people can post short videos.

"The post alleges that there are planned school shootings that will take place on Friday, December 17," Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS) officials reported. "Law enforcement agencies have investigated this threat and determined that it originated in Arizona and is not credible."

The post was framed as a school challenge, the latest in a string of monthly TikTok dares.

In September, another challenge called "Devious Licks" encouraged raucous acts of vandalism at schools. To participate, students shattered mirrors, stole soap dispensers, fire alarms and football field turf, and intentionally clogged toilets, all while filming them to post on TikTok.

Those who see threats should report them to BCPS or police, officials advised.

"We want to continue to encourage members of Team BCPS to report suspicious or threatening activities or postings," BCPS said in a statement. "We appreciate your partnership as we work to keep students and staff safe."

See Also:

• TikTok December 17 Challenge Has Police, Schools On High Alert
• School Shooting Challenge On TikTok Prompts Howard County Official To Speak Out
• Threat Prompts Police Presence At Harford County Public School
• AACPS Monitoring Social Media Threats To Schools On Friday

Patch editor Megan VerHelst contributed to this report.