Many area school districts notified parents of national threats that have been circulating on social media.

The districts said they received information from the Pennsylvania Department of Education and the Pennsylvania State Police about rumors of threats across the nation.

The posts, which are primarily on the popular app. TikTok, include bombs threats and shootings, but are not specifically tied to any state, community or district specifically.

“Nonetheless, we take these types of situations seriously. Because of this, you may see an increased police presence in and around our buildings tomorrow as an added precaution,” Palmerton Superintendent Jodi Frankelli said in a letter addressing district families.

Tamaqua Superintendent Ray Kinder’s letter said, “statement made verbally, in writing, or online that cause panic or lead to a school closure may result in felony charges.”

“While we do not believe the threat to be credible, we are continuing to take all necessary precautions,” Kinder said in the letter. “The district has been in contact with local police and will have an increased police presence on campus Friday, Dec. 17.”

Panther Valley Superintendent David McAndrew said in his letter that the post refers to a threat “for every school in the USA” on Friday, and that there may also be an increased police presence.

“The post appears to be a part of a national TikTok trend and did not originate in our school district. We have heard reports from other districts that the same post is circulating in their schools.”

Dave Reinbold, Carbon Career & Technical Institute Administrative Director, noted that CCTI has a full-time school police officer on duty.

“Additionally, we have been in contact with the Jim Thorpe Police Department and PA State Police regarding the posts, and will have an increased police presence around our campus on Friday as an added precaution,” Reinbold added.

Pleasant Valley sent out a call to parents late Thursday night, also emphasizing increased security.

Jim Thorpe Area School District will be back in the schools on Friday with in-person teacher/learning. “The TikTok messages are nationwide and they are not a credible threat or specific threat to Jim Thorpe, or any school in Pennsylvania,” Superintendent John Rushefski said.