TikTok Violence Challenge: Glenview Police, Schools Aware

GLENVIEW, IL — During a week when school officials and local law enforcement were already on alert after a Glenbrook South student posted a threat of violence on social media, they are calling a national TikTok challenge encouraging students to threaten gun violence and bombings at their schools on Friday, Dec. 17, not credible at this time.

Nationwide, 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.

"The safety of our students and staff continues to remain our top priority," Dr. Charles Johns, superintendent of Glenbrook High School District 225 said in a letter sent out to parents Thursday. "As an added precaution, we will have extra patrols around all of our campuses, and additional staff members to monitor common areas and school entrances so our students, staff and community feel safe.

RELATED: TikTok December 17 Challenge Has Police, Schools On High Alert

"This threat does not specifically list any state or location. There is no credible information that this threat is in any way related to any school within the State of Illinois," Glenview police said on social media and also referred to the post when Patch reached out for comment. "The Glenview Police Department patrols all our school grounds daily and will continue to do so. We encourage everyone to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity, regardless of where it occurs."

Earlier this week, a Glenbrook South High School student made two social media posts, one in which he appears to be holding a handgun, and a second in which he told students to go home. No criminal charges were filed against the student for either post and there is no credible threat toward GBS staff or students at this time, police said Tuesday.

The student, who was actually holding a CO2 BB-style gun, didn't make any direct threats toward staff or students in the first social media post, according to police. A secondary post, believed to be from the same student, said students "should leave school, go home, and eat." Police also said there were no direct threats made toward GBS staff or students in the second post.

RELATED: Student Holding 'Handgun' On Social Media Not A Threat

While it's unclear where the rumor regarding Friday 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."

Johns said students who are struggling should be encouraged to go to Student Services. The staff has also been alerted to be mindful of students in their classes who may be experiencing concerns.

• Text-A-Tip: a 24/7 anonymous text-communication system for youth needing immediate mental health assistance for themselves or a friend.
  1. GBN: text “GBN HELP” and their message to 844-823-5323
  2. GBS: text "GBS HELP" and their message to 844-823-5323
• Spartan/Titan Concern Form:
  1. GBN: Students can submit anonymous communication to Glenbrook North High School regarding the safety of themselves or others. Click here if you wish to submit a tip.
  2. GBS: Students can submit anonymous communication to Glenbrook South High School regarding the safety of themselves or others. Click here if you wish to submit a tip.

In September, another challenge called "Devious Licks" encouraged raucous acts of vandalism at schools nationwide. 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.