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Bloody Friday rumour (Poland)

After two real school attacks in Poland, a rumour of a coordinated online challenge for a "Bloody Friday" spread and emptied schools; police found no evidence of any such challenge, but teens were still detained for posting threats, so joining in is the real risk.

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Should I worry?

The coordinated challenge appears to be a rumour: Polish police and government officials said they found no evidence linking the attacks to an online challenge or a organised operation. The harm is in what the fear set off. Dozens of schools closed, and young people were detained, mostly for making threats online, including some who may have thought they were joking or just passing things along. Warning signs: your teen is sharing screenshots of threats, reposting alarming messages, or posting "jokes" about attacks. If your teen sees a threat that looks credible, tell them to report it to a teacher, the school or police rather than forwarding it. Make it clear that a threat posted as a joke, or reposted for a laugh, can bring police to the door.

How to join in

Your teen may have seen alarming screenshots or voice clips about school attacks and wondered if they're real. Kids share them because fear spreads fast and passing on a warning feels like protecting friends. Ask what they've seen and where it came from. Walk through the facts together: police said they found no evidence of a coordinated challenge, and they asked people to be careful before sharing rumours and to tell a trusted adult about any real concern.

Try saying

“I heard some scary messages about school attacks have been going around, and I figured a lot of people your age have seen them. Police say there's no sign it's an actual challenge, but if you ever see something that worries you, show me or a teacher instead of forwarding it. And even a joke about hurting people can get someone in real trouble, so check with me first if you're not sure.”

If you’re worried

If a threat seems credible or someone is in immediate danger, call 911. Otherwise, tell the school and local police about any threat your teen sees, and keep a screenshot rather than forwarding it. If your teen already posted or shared a threat, talk with the school and consider getting legal advice. If your teen is frightened or anxious, Kids Help Phone is there at 1-800-668-6868 or by text at 686868. If anyone mentions hurting themselves or suicide, call or text 988.

Sources

From Mistlift, mistlift.app. Plain talk about what kids are into online.