Howell Police To Increase Presence With TikTok School Challenge

HOWELL, NJ — In response to a potentially threatening TikTok challenge that has been spreading across the country, Howell Township Public Schools Superintendent Joe Isola said that residents might notice a higher police presence at schools on Friday.

"No specific threat has been made toward any of the Howell Township Public Schools," Isola said. "We take all threats, whether specific or not, very seriously, as the safety and security of our students and staff is our top priority."

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

Isola said that police chief Kudrick confirmed that there were no credible threats or specific information regarding the school community.

The Freehold Regional High School District also issued a notification to let parents know they were aware of the situation.

School officials encouraged parents to have a conversation with their children and let them know that the district is taking the threats "very seriously."

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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