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MARQUETTE -- A viral TikTok "challenge" which encourages students to bring weapons to school has caused at least 10 Upper Peninsula schools to close Friday.
The Michigan State Police said that they have heard of the challenge and are looking into it but are not aware of any credible threats to local schools.
Statements from several schools showed up online Thursday evening announcing school cancellations regarding the threat.
"Social media is a powerful tool often used to influence others, and not always for the good," said Gladstone Area Schools Superintendent Dr. Jay Kulbertis in a statement sent to Gladstone parents. "It is always important to remain vigilant when it involves these types of threats."
While many U.P. schools called off classes on Friday, other schools decided that the best course of action was to remain open.
"We are going to remain vigilant, but we are not going to live in fear," said NICE Community Schools Superintendent Bryan DeAugustine in an e-mail to parents. "We are also going to be on the lookout for any student who seems disconnected, isolated and beyond hope."
The TikTok's come at a time when the country is on edge following the Oxford High School shooting in November, where a 15-year-old student shot and killed four classmates.
Anyone who notices a student who seems to be struggling or acting in a concerning way is encouraged to visit www.michigan.gov/ok2say/ to file an anonymous tip.
The following schools announced closures on Friday:
≥ Bark River-Harris
≥ Carney-Nadeau
≥ Escanaba
≥ Gladstone
≥ Gwinn
≥ Hannahville
≥ Mid Peninsula
≥ North Central
≥ Rapid River
≥ Sault Ste. Marie
≥ Watersmeet