Increased Police At Middletown Schools Due To TikTok Challenge

MIDDLETOWN, NJ — In response to a potentially threatening TikTok challenge that has been spreading across the country, the Middletown School District wants parents to know they were aware of the situation.

The TikTok challenge encouraged students to threaten gun violence at school on Dec. 17.

"The district was informed by the NJDOE Office of School Preparedness and Emergency Planning that there have been social media posts circulating that refer to potential acts of violence at schools nationwide on December 17," wrote Middletown schools superintendent Mary Ellen Walker in this letter home to parents Thursday evening. "The posts do not contain any information specific to a school district. These posts are circulating in many states."

"Although these posts are general and contain no specific threats to our schools, we have consulted with the Middletown Township Police Department. The MTPD has investigated the matter and informed the District that the social media posts are not credible and pose no threat to the safety of our students or staff," Walker continued.

Middletown police officers will be on site at all Middletown schools throughout the day Friday.

Superintendent Walker asked that any parent or student or teacher report anything unusual or anything they see on social media to the police right away. Learn more: TikTok December 17 Challenge Has Police, Schools On High Alert

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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