© 2024 New England Public Media

FCC public inspection files:
WGBYWFCRWNNZWNNUWNNZ-FMWNNI

For assistance accessing our public files, please contact hello@nepm.org or call 413-781-2801.
PBS, NPR and local perspective for western Mass.
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Massachusetts schools respond to social media posts mentioning violence

John F. Kennedy Middle School in Northampton, Massachusetts.
File photo
/
Daily Hampshire Gazette / gazettenet.com
John F. Kennedy Middle School in Northampton, Massachusetts.

Massachusetts schools responded Friday to social media posts which referred to a threat of violence.

The posts on TikTok mentioned a threat to school safety for schools across the country.

John Provost, who is the superintendent of the Northampton Public Schools, said he found out about it on Thursday and notified members of the community.

"We let them know that we felt that the threat level was low," he said. "Because there was no specific threat against the Northampton community, or Northampton schools — and nevertheless, we let families know that they might notice a police presence which we did have on our campuses."

In a statement online, TikTok said it could not locate a video promoting violence at schools on Friday, but did find ones discussing the rumor and warning people to stay safe.

It said it was working to remove alarmist warnings that violate its misinformation policy.

Before joining New England Public Media, Alden was a producer for the CBS NEWS program 60 Minutes. In that role, he covered topics ranging from art, music and medicine to business, education and politics.