Hazlet PD Will Increase Presence With TikTok School Challenge

HAZLET, NJ — In response to a potentially threatening TikTok challenge that has been spreading across the country, Hazlet police said there would be an increased police presence at area schools during the next few days.

"Although nothing specific has been implied toward our schools, we react to any potential threat in a proactive manner. That being said, as always we have a very comprehensive school security plan in place already," police said.

The challenge encouraged students to threaten gun violence at school on Dec. 17.

READ MORE: TikTok School Gun Threat Has NJ Schools, Law Enforcement On Alert

Hazlet Township Public Schools put out a statement telling parents that they were working with the police department, although there was no known direct threat to Hazlet schools.

"We have not received a report that connects these threats with our schools, but we are proactively communicating with the Hazlet Police Department on this matter because student safety and security is a priority for our District," the district said.

School officials are also encouraging parents to have a conversation with their children about the seriousness and resulting consequences of making any kind of threat and the appropriate use of social media.

READ MORE: Howell Schools Warns Parents About Tik Tok Vandalism Challenge

According to reports, the Dec. 17 challenge is a part of a larger series of school-based TikTok challenges targeted at young kids.

In September, a TikTok challenge encouraged students to vandalize the schools, assault staff and show their private parts.

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