HARTFORD, Conn. — Several school districts across Connecticut plan to have extra police presence on Friday as threats targeting schools across the country have reportedly gone viral on social media, including TikTok.
Connecticut State Police told FOX61 News that there are no credible threats at this time. However, schools across Connecticut are on high alert and are opting to have extra police presence at schools Friday.
Kate Dias, president of the Connecticut Education Association, said it is important for parents to have open conversations with their children about these incidents.
"I think you have to talk to your student and ask them how do you feel? Do you know where your supports are? Do you know who to go to if you hear something that makes you uncomfortable?" she said.
Dias said students also play a role in stopping these threats from spreading on social media and encouraged them not to share or repost a threat if they see it. Instead, report it to an adult.
"If you see something, put it in the hands of an adult and don't share it back out. Don't make it a part of your social media profile in any way, shape, or form," Dias said.
Police also want to remind students there are serious consequences for making a false threat.
"These threats can be dangerous. They cause a lot of scare, a lot of worry to not only the students but to the parents. And, our main goal is to keep everyone safe, especially our kids in our school systems," said CT State Police Trooper First Class Pedro Muñiz.
West Hartford Public School officials said there is a social media post circulating that refers to a threat to school safety "for every school in the USA, even elementary" for Friday.
The district will have extra police presence on the school grounds and in the buildings on Friday as a precaution.
Wallingford Police said the "numerous posts on social media" that surfaced Thursday claim there would be school shootings or bomb threats at schools across the country Friday.
"The Wallingford Police Department is working with our other Law Enforcement partners at this time to investigate the issue further and we will be continually monitoring the situation. An increased police presence can be expected this afternoon and tomorrow at all Wallingford Public Schools," police said in a statement.
South Windsor Public Schools also sent a letter home to families informing them of the TikTok videos.
"I recognize that this social media trend is deeply troubling for students, staff and parents. Please know the safety of your children is our highest priority," said South Windsor Superintendent Kate Carter.
South Windsor police will also have a more robust presence at schools Friday.
Naugatuck Police released a statement as the post circulates:
"Due to an uptick in unrelated threats at schools in the region, the Naugatuck Police will be increasing our presence and patrols at Borough Schools in the coming days. While there has been NO threat against Naugatuck Schools, students, or staff, the public can anticipate our presence to increase the community’s sense of safety during the coming school days."
The Middletown Police Department is also taking these threats seriously and will be present in the town's schools Friday.
Leah Myers is a digital content producer at FOX61 News. She can be reached at lmyers@fox61.com
Gaby Molina is a reporter and anchor at FOX61 News. She can be reached at gmolina@fox61.com. Follow her on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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