TikTok Challenges Damaging Schools, Harming Teachers Prompt Superintendent To Speak Out

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — Students across the country are being encouraged to engage in illegal and incredulous behavior at school by the latest TikTok challenges. Bathrooms are being trashed, school property stolen and teachers attacked as kids try to "one up" each other.

Howard County Public School System Superintendent Dr. Michael Martirano issued a warning about the challenges before the board of education recently.

"These behaviors are not just morally and ethically wrong, but violate the law and HCPSS Student code of conduct. These acts are serious and can carry long-standing consequences that will impact students’ plans for college, career and other goals," Martirano said.

He urged parents and guardians to speak with their students about the challenges, their actions, the use of social media and the resulting "negative consequences that poor choices will lead to."

"Our school system will not tolerate any such acts and will pursue disciplinary actions in accordance with [board of education] Policy 9200 Student Discipline and legal consequences. I would hate for a poor choice now to lead to disciplinary and legal consequences that could impact them for the rest of their lives," Martirano said.

The TikTok trend is blamed for damaged bathrooms and flooded hallways in a Tennessee school district, according to CBS News. The district blames social media challenges, including one on TikTok called "devious licks," that have incited kids to steal or destroy classroom property and post video of the vandalism online.

An even more serious, "slap a teacher challenge" has led to criminal charges against students in Missouri, according to FOX News-affiliate KTVI in St. Louis.