State of Montana Newsroom
Superintendent Elsie Arntzen and Attorney General Austin Knudsen Recognize School Safety
HELENA, MT – Yesterday, schools across Montana became aware of a concerning social media post circulating nationally through the popular application TikTok. Montana schools and law enforcement agents across the state have increased awareness as TikTok trends have recently increased vandalism of schools. Superintendent Elsie Arntzen and Attorney General Austin Knudsen applaud schools for their awareness of these potential threats and support putting students' safety first.
"School resource officers and local law enforcement are vital to our children’s safety. Students' mental health and overall well-being are directly related to a safe learning environment,” said Superintendent Elsie Arntzen. "Parents, schools, and communities must work together for students' health and physical safety.”
“The Montana Division of Criminal Investigation has been monitoring the so-called ‘challenge’ on social media in partnership with other law enforcement agencies. To date, there have not been any credible threats identified in our state,” Attorney General Austin Knudsen said. “I urge parents to be vigilant about their children’s use of social media – especially on the China-based TikTok – as this disturbing trend is just the tip of the iceberg.”
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