TikTok Threats In Montco Schools: Latest Updates

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, PA — School districts around Montgomery County are on heightened alert Friday amid a wave of online threats, with many issuing statements and others beefing up security in an effort to ensure the safety of school communities.

Videos posted to the social media platform TikTok apparently threatened gun violence in schools on Friday, in a "challenge" that some reports say initially began with urging students to skip school Dec. 17. The vague shooting threats prompted concern nationwide.

Cheltenham School District received a specific threat regarding Dec. 17 back on Dec. 10, in the form of writing on a bathroom stall. They said all seven of their schools are planning active shooter safety drills prior to winter break, and reminded parents that the district has an emergency operations plan in place.

"We strive for our schools to be safe places where students can engage in meaningful learning, not a place where disruptive, disrespectful and dangerous social media-driven behavior plays out," Superintendent Brian W. Scriven wrote to the school community.

Other local districts have made it clear they're taking the threats seriously, even if not specifically targeted.

"While we DO NOT have any information to indicate that any school is at any increased risk, we want to assure all parents within the North Penn School District, that we are taking proactive steps to ensure a safe learning environment within all schools," the Upper Gwynedd Police Department said. "Some of these steps will be noticeable while others will not."

Police are investigating even where there is no direct evidence of danger.

"There has been no specific threat associated with the NASD," the Norristown Police Department said in a statement. "NPD is working closely with school officials to make sure that today is safe and productive. Nevertheless, our rule is that a person who threatens violence should be believed and we will respond accordingly. Let's continue to be vigilant in keeping our children and young adults safe."

In the Hatboro-Horsham School District, Superintendent Scott Eveslage asked students to be mindful.

"These TikTok and social media challenges have had destructive effects on our schools and on schools across the country," Eveslage wrote in a letter to the school community. "We encourage our students to critically look at the impact on our school community when engaging in such social media challenges, and to bring forward concerns when they arise. We also ask families to join us in discussing this situation and its potential impact with your children."

Similarly, officials in the Pottstown School District urged parents to take the opportunity to talk to their children about social media.

"Out of an abundance of caution, we are notifying all families of this matter to encourage all parents and guardians to talk with their children," Superintendent Stephen Rodriguez said. "We ask for the assistance of all of our families and caregivers in speaking to your children about making appropriate choices and decisions - not only with regard to social media and it’s dangers - but at all times."

The TikTok threats come in the wake of several weeks of increased threats of school shootings and violence in both Montgomery County and throughout the region. Multiple incidents have led to arrests of students, and numerous school districts in the county have been locked down as threats were investigated.