Toy Guns Disrupt Learning At Burlington Co. School District, Officials Say

BURLINGTON, NJ — School officials in the city of Burlington told parents that students have been bringing replica or toy guns to school, disrupting learning and causing safety issues.

Burlington City Schools staff ask parents to talk to their children about the consequences of bringing "threatening items" into school and possibly engaging in social media challenges with replica weapons. Officials have investigated "several incidents" of students taking toy/replica guns to school in the city.

"This type of activity is unacceptable and will not be tolerated, as it disrupts normal school operations, causes traffic safety issues on school grounds, and incites fear and uncertainty in the minds of students and staff," said a letter from Superintendent Dr. John Russell and a number of other school officials.

Officials said any student who brings a weapon or weapon-like item on school grounds will be disciplined based on the Student Code of Conduct.

"Additionally, replica guns are considered weapons in a school setting," officials said.

Russell and other officials pointed to the "Orbeez Challenge," which emerged up on the social medium TikTok. This "trend," which popped up in recent years, encourages people to shoot Orbeez pellets at others with a gel blaster gun or other toy gun in a "drive-by" style, officials said.

"Police departments across the country are also warning people about this dangerous challenge," City of Burlington school officials said.

Officials urge students, staff, and the community to contact the district and local police if they hear or see anything that might be a safety concern. Anyone may report suspicious or alarming behavior with the "Safe2SpeakUP" link on the district website.