Medford Schools Warned Of TikTok 'Gun Violence' Challenge

MEDFORD, MA — Police and school officials in Medford are aware of a TikTok challenge that's sparking concern in districts across the country.

Superintendent Marice Edouard-Vincent said a post has been circulating on the social media platform encouraging students to threaten gun violence at their schools on Friday, Dec. 17. The post refers to a threat to school safety "for every school in the USA, even elementary," Edouard-Vincent said in a message to families.

"The post appears to be part of a national TikTok trend and did not originate in our school district," Edouard-Vincent said. "We have heard reports from other districts that the same post is circulating in their schools."

Though the district does not believe the threat to be credible, there will be an increased police presence at Medford schools on Friday.

"We are closely monitoring the situation and taking it seriously," Edouard-Vincent said.

Other school districts in Massachusetts have warned about the trend, which some reports say is the latest in a string of monthly challenges stemming from the app. Andover Superintendent Magda Parvey said the threat originated in Texas and has been trending on the popular 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.

Edouard-Vincent encouraged parents to monitor their children's social media activity and speak with them about proper behavior online, particularly if they are under the age of 13. She shared the following resources for discussing social media with children:

• How to Talk to Your Kids About Social Media
• Teaching Kids to be Smart About Social Media
• 11 Social Media Red Flags Parents Should Know About

"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 - see something, say something," Edouard-Vincent said.