Local schools, police warn against national trend encouraging students to call in threats

A national trend encouraging social media users to call in a threats to schools has many local schools on edge as they prepare for their last day before the winter break.

Several local school districts are aware of a social media challenge circulating on TikTok. 

The “December 17 Challenge” encourages students to call in bomb or shooting threats to school buildings. 

This is a national trend and not specific to local area schools .

Authorities have said that anyone making threats against students or school buildings, will be punished to the fullest extent of the law.  Please consider talking to your children about the seriousness of these threats. 

“We are not aware of any specific threats to Canton Local Schools. However, we have safety measures in place for such instances.” Superintendent Brett Yeagley of Canton Local Schools said in a statement released to social media Thursday evening. 

Massillon Police officials released this statement to social media as well, Thursday evening.  

“The Massillon Police Department along with the Massillon City School District are aware of a social media challenge that is circulating on TikTok. This is a national trend, however The City Of Massillon takes threats very seriously and anyone found making these threats will be punished to the fullest extent of the law. Please communicate with your children the seriousness of these threats. We have safety measures in place for such incidents.”

If you or your child suspect any threat to public safety, please contact authorities immediately if you hear anything involving these threats or comments.