Educators in multiple states announced plans to increase security in response to TikTok posts warning of shooting threats at schools around the country. Officials assured the viral posts were not considered credible.

The social media threats had many educators on edge as they circulated in the aftermath of a deadly school shooting in Michigan.

Schools in Chattooga County were already scheduled to be closed for Christmas Break on Friday, but school districts in surrounding areas did address the issue.  The DeKalb County, Alabama School District issued a statement about the threats as did Floyd County Schools in Georgia.

Floyd County School officials stated, “Please be aware of recent social media activity that is rapidly spreading across the country. There is a new national “TikTok Challenge” that references threats of violence today, December 17. There have not been any threats made against Floyd County Schools. We continue to work closely with our Chief Safety and Security Officer and school resource officers to monitor these types of social media trends to ensure our schools remain safe.

The school district went on to say, “This social media “challenge” is yet another example of a national trend that encourages users to participate in dangerous, illegal activities, and spread false information. These types of messages disrupt the learning in our schools and create fear throughout the community. Families, we ask you for your partnership as parents and guardians to help us address these types of challenges on social media and to encourage and support digital citizenship.”