Newport Schools, Police Monitor TikTok 'Gun Violence' Challenge

NEWPORT, RI — Police and school officials in Newport 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.

Superintendent Colleen Burns Jermain said that the district reached out to Newport police after becoming aware of the situation. No specific threats were made about Newport schools or anywhere else in Rhode Island, she said.

"At this time, no real threats have been recognized," Burns Jermain said. "Parents should have age appropriate conversations with their children about the various threats and challenges that are shared on social media, and remind them of the seriousness and disruption these threats cause."

Police will be present at all Newport schools Friday, as is standard, the superintendent continued, and will "remain vigilant regarding student and staff safety."

Some districts say they have been "inundated" with questions about the social media school violence rumors and have responded in letters to parents and public statements in the days leading up to Friday.

While it's unclear where the rumor originated, a news release issued by the Tooele County School District in Utah said the original threat started as a way for students to skip school, but "morphed into something much more disturbing."

According to some reports, the December challenge is one of several in a string of monthly challenges stemming from the 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.

Patch editors Megan VerHelst and Alex Newman contributed to this report.