Several local school districts are warning about a social media challenge promoting violence, or threats of violence that are said to take place in schools on Friday.
The San Dieguito, Sweetwater, Poway, Vista, SDUSD and Escondido school districts all say they’re aware of a troubling post shared on TikTok. The post is referring to a safety threat being sent around schools in the U.S., including elementary schools.
The threat appears to be part of a national trend and did not originate in San Diego’s school districts. The threat is not believed to be credible.
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The California Department of Education released the following statement regarding the threats:
The CDE is aware of threats of violence against schools circulating on TikTok and other social media platforms. We understand that this is a statewide as well as a national issue and State Supt. Thurmond has been in touch with CHP to assess the situation and as a precautionary measure of security for our State Special Schools.
CDE continues to monitor the situation and we have also been in touch with CalOES to provide additional safety measures and resources to our school districts as needed.
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We are advising that students should take care not to repost threats as they create a cycle of fear and can complicate law enforcement investigations. We are asking schools to be vigilant and to contact their local law enforcement agencies if they have any concerns and to ensure counselors are available for students who would like to speak to someone. Districts should be in touch with CDE if they need information on additional resources.
School districts gave out the following tips for parents concerning online school threats:
- 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, and if the threat is imminent, please call 911 immediately.
- Talk to your child about the importance of letting you know when they learn of any threats of violence at school, and of not participating in or promoting any threats of violence.
Several school districts plan to have increase police presence on Friday as an added precaution.
