Schools locally and across the country react to reported violence threat

By Bob Steenson, bsteenson@charlescitypress.com

Schools across the country, including some in Charles City, are sending messages to the parents of students advising them that they have become aware of social media posts that reportedly threaten school safety on Friday, Dec. 17, alluding to shootings or bombings or “challenges” for students to bring weapons to school.

“The post appears to be part of a national TikTok trend and did not originate in our school district,” the message from Charles City School District says. “We have heard reports from other districts that the same post is circulating in their schools. While we do not believe the threat to be credible, we are closely monitoring the situation and taking it seriously.

“Additionally, the district is in contact with the Charles City Police Department regarding the post. We may have an increased law enforcement presence in our buildings on Friday as an added precaution. Our campuses are locked throughout the day and guests are only allowed in by our front of house staff,” the public school message says.

St. John Christian Preschool sent a message to its families, referring to the Charles City school message and assuring parents “There is no direct threat to Charles City schools or to St. John Christian Preschool.”

“We take every precaution necessary throughout the day currently: the entire building is locked during school hours and the preschool itself is locked. We want to assure you we take the safety of your little ones very seriously at St. John so as an extra precaution, tomorrow no one will be allowed into the building at drop off or pick up time,” the message says in part.

An online google search shows hundreds of school districts across the country in many states sending similar messages to families or making statements. They are all similar in that they say they “have become aware of” or “have been made aware of” this threatening trend on social media, and that no specific threat has been made locally.

TikTok responded to the situation Thursday afternoon, stating, “We handle even rumored threats with utmost seriousness, which is why we’re working with law enforcement to look into warnings about potential violence at schools even though we have not found evidence of such threats originating or spreading via TikTok.”

A few school districts around the county opted to cancel classes Friday, while others made attendance optional. Some reports suggest the rumor of social media threats may have been started as a way for students to get out of class.

The Charles City school message says, “This situation serves as a good example of why it is important to avoid sharing posts online that refer to school safety threats. Even if they are not credible threats, they can cause a great deal of stress and anxiety for our students, families, and staff. We ask our families to monitor their children’s social media activity and speak with them about proper behavior online.

“If you or your child become aware of any potential threat posted to social media or anywhere else, please notify a school staff member or trusted adult right away,” the Charles City School District message says.

According to an article by The Associated Press, “The threats outraged educators around the country.”

“Whether done as a joke or with malicious intent, it’s unacceptable. We know our school personnel will do everything in their power to keep our students safe,” officials with the Iowa State Education Association, the Iowa Association of School Boards and School Administrators of Iowa said in a joint statement.