There is no lack of unease in the world. The last thing Americans need is a campaign of rumors about threats to schools.

A national social media trend this month involved students threatening violence at school or spreading rumors of such dangers. The trend seems to be coming from TikTok as a quest for students to skip school on December 17th. TikTok is a social media platform popular with teens, among other age groups.

The trend escalated into rumors that violence was occurring in schools on this day. Several posts have gone viral on social media platforms.

As a result, several schools in Florida, for example, have operated under lockdown. The threats have also increased anxiety in schools across the country.

A statement from the US Department of Homeland Security urged schools to be vigilant, but saw no evidence of verifiable threats.

“DHS is aware of public reports suggesting possible threats to schools on December 17, 2021,” Homeland Security said in a statement posted on Twitter. “DHS has no information indicating specific and credible threats to schools, but recommends that communities remain vigilant. “

As elsewhere, the threats also affected schools, teachers, staff, students and parents in Indiana. Local school districts have offered advice to parents and students regarding online youth activities.

The tensions of 2021 do not need to be listed here, but it is clear that the COVID-19 pandemic, the persistent waves of real gun violence in schools and public places, upheaval at work and animosity politics have increased anxiety. As tired as Americans are of dealing with such turmoil, the recommendations offered by schools and mental health counselors should again be shared by parents with their children.

Families should discuss healthy social media activities with children, helping them “realize how spreading rumors or participating in these trends can cause disruption and panic,” Vigo County School Corp advised. He also encouraged families to remind students to report any suspicious behavior to a school staff member or alert their school district.

In the Paris 95 district, parents and guardians were reminded that the Safe2Help Illinois helpline allows students to share their school safety concerns and offers ways to get help. and encouragement. The telephone number for the helpline is 844-472-3345.

District 95 also urged families and students to avoid promoting rumors on social media and instead report credible threats to the district.

Perhaps the most crucial recommendation was for families to know who is connecting with their children online.

Based on this information, rules can be set regarding social media, instant messaging, email, online gaming and the use of webcams.

These conversations with children can be difficult, as can setting such boundaries. These measures are essential in 2021. The efforts will ensure the safety of children, their classmates, teachers and school staff.

We all need less worry, not more.