December 17th, 2021 – 10:00 AM
Staff Reports –
A viral message trending on the popular entertainment app TikTok has caused concern among school staff across the nation that has led to increased security. The threatening message vaguely states that school shootings and other acts of violence will be randomly and nationally perpetrated on December 17th.
Rome City Schools addressed the issue on social media with the following statement:
“Rome City Schools is aware of the TikTok challenge referencing school violence for December 17, 2021. There have not been any direct and/or credible threats made to the district. However, Rome City Schools does take this seriously and will be working closely with the district’s Safety and Security Director, and local law enforcement.”
Parents, students, faculty, and staff will see an increase in police presence around each RCS campus today. Please use this time to talk with students about using social media appropriately. Students and parents need to be aware that there are serious consequences associated with any form of threat.
If parents or students become aware of any threat or suggestive threat, please contact the school administration immediately. The safety of RCS students, faculty, and staff is a top priority. This situation will not be taken lightly.
Floyd County Schools system made the following statement on the topic:
“Please be aware of recent social media activity that is rapidly spreading across the country. There is a new national “TikTok Challenge” that references threats of violence today, December 17.
There have not been any threats made against Floyd County Schools. We continue to work closely with our Chief Safety and Security Officer and school resource officers to monitor these types of social media trends to ensure our schools remain safe. This social media “challenge” is yet another example of a national trend that encourages users to participate in dangerous, illegal activities, and spread false information.
These types of messages disrupt the learning in our schools and create fear throughout the community. Families, we ask you for your partnership as parents and guardians to help us address these types of challenges on social media and to encourage and support digital citizenship.
As a system, we remain committed to the safety and security of all our students and staff. If you become aware of any concerning messages or behavior, please report this to school administrators and local police immediately.”