Reading Police Monitoring TikTok 'Gun Violence' Challenge

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

The trend reportedly encourages students to threaten gun violence at their schools on Friday, Dec. 17.

Police Chief David Clark and Superintendent of Schools Thomas Milaschewski said there is not believed to be a threat specific to Reading, but there will be an increased police presence at schools on Friday out of an abundance of caution.

"The safety and security of students and staff is top priority," Clark and Milaschewski said in a joint statement.

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.