Local school districts address TikTok trend warning of violent threats nationwide on Dec. 17

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- A TikTok trend reporting a potential violent threat to schools across the United States is circulating social media.

The threat warns a dangerous act will take place at all schools on Friday, Dec. 17.

The Wisconsin Department of Justice Office of School Safety is aware of the nationwide threat. Director Kristen Devitt said there are no credible threats related to this trend in the state.

"We are not seeing any direct ties of this threat to any particular school in Wisconsin," Devitt said.

Devitt advises school districts proceed with caution and communicate with families about what safety plan works best for their community.

"Every school district or private school is going to have to make their own decisions about what is safe for them," Devitt said.

Some school districts in Southeastern Wisconsin sent letters home to families stating there are no credible threats, but they're working with law enforcement to monitor the situation. 

Some letters suggest parents speak with their child about what they've seen or heard on social media.

"If they do notice something on social media, or if they do see something that is concerning to them about the safety of the school, they should report it as directly as they can," Devitt said.

No schools have reported closures related to this trend, as of Thursday evening.