District 202 Threatens Consequences For TikTok Pranks At Schools

PLAINFIELD, IL — Challenges have been swirling around TikTok in recent weeks encouraging students to vandalize school property, steal equipment and, most recently, slap teachers. In response to these pranks, Plainfield School District officials said the behavior won't be tolerated.

"Parents, please make sure your students understand that engaging in such behavior – including hitting anyone, including adults — will result in serious school and legal consequences," officials wrote in a weekly message sent to parents Friday.

School districts across the country have been hit by the wave of TikTok-related pranks, where students film themselves engaging in often illegal and sometimes dangerous activities. In September, schools reported an increase in students stealing soap dispensers and vandalizing bathrooms — a challenge known as "devious licks." It happened at several schools throughout Illinois, including in Tinley Park and Elmhurst.

This month, District 202 officials said the challenge is to "smack a staff member on the backside."

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In Plainfield, Director of Community Relations Tom Hernandez told Patch that officials got hold of a list of "the actual monthly schedule of events" prompting the message to parents.

"We know, and it's not going to be tolerated," Hernandez said in an email.

Last month, Aux Sable Middle School — located on Wildspring Parkway in Joliet — was hit with the prank, but Hernandez couldn't confirm if any others in the district experienced it.

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