Local school officials have joined those across the country in addressing an ominious TikTok post.
Earlier this week, educators and authorities were made aware of a post warning of nationwide “school shooting and bomb threats for every school in the USA even elementary” supposedly scheduled for Friday, Dec. 17.
“The original post is general and not directed at a specific school,” Robinson Unit 2 Superintendent Josh Quick wrote in a letter to the public. “So far, the origins of this post are unknown and there is no indication this post is within our community.”
There is no indication of any threats locally. Still, Quick said, he wanted to keep parents informed as a precaution.
“The safety of our students and staff is our priority. All safety concerns to our school or students are taken seriously and investigated thoroughly,” he said.
“Since returning to in-person learning this school year, schools nationwide are dealing with school safety concerns that seem to be heightened and causing anxiety, fear and nervousness among our staff and students.”
Quick added that, in conjunction with law enforcement, Unit 2 officials will continue to monitor social media and maintain vigilance among its staff and resource officers.
Quick said students are urged to report any concerning message they hear or see in person or online to a trusted adult, school administration or staff member or police. He asked they not promote social media rumors.
“Instead, tell us,” he said. “If you feel uncomfortable about something you read, something you hear, something you see please, report it so we can do something about it.”
He said parents need to be aware of who is connecting with their children online and set rules for social networking, instant messaging, e-mailing, online gaming and using webcams.
“Robinson CUSD #2 is committed to keeping our schools a safe place for learning, and we will work together to continue to keep it that way,” Quick said.
Meanwhile, schools in Michigan, Washington and other areas across the country have temporarily closed or bolstered police presence as a precaution.
There have been nine active and 235 non-active shooter incidents at schools so far this year, according to the Center for Homeland Defense and Security, and school districts say they take each warning seriously.
Chicago Public Schools said they are “taking the threat extremely seriously and are working with the Chicago Police Department.”
Illinois’ largest district said there is “no known threat to any CPS facility,” but should any safety concerns arise, they will be investigated immediately.
In a statement published on Twitter, TikTok said it has not found evidence of the threat despite the alarming posts that have since gone viral.
“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.”