The newest 'TikTok challenge' apparently involves posting threats of school shootings and bombings

TikTok
(Image credit: Martin Bureau/AFP/Getty Images)

The "devious licks" TikTok "challenge" in September had kids around the U.S. to stealing soap dispensers off the walls of school bathrooms and committing other acts of vandalism, so school districts and police departments are increasing security in response to a rash of viral TikTok posts warning of school shootings and bomb threats at every school around the U.S. on Friday.

"The social media threats had many educators on edge as they circulated in the aftermath of a deadly school shooting in Michigan, which has been followed by numerous copycat threats to schools elsewhere," The Associated Press reports. The shooting at Michigan's Oxford High School, which ended with four children dead, was the 28th school shooting this year.

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Peter Weber, The Week US

Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.