South Brunswick Schools Warns Of ‘Concerning’ TikTok Challenge

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ — TikTok challenges encouraging acts of vandalism and theft among students are happening across the county, and the South Brunswick School District has warned parents about it.

School officials sent out letters to parents and guardians of middle and high school students telling them “engaging in these acts may have very serious consequences beyond the school’s code of conduct and some are illegal.”

“We want to make you aware of a nationwide trend on the social media platform “Tik-Tok” which involves vandalism and other deeply concerning/violating acts in which children are being encouraged to participate,” school officials said in the letter.

“While we believed that the most recent trend would fizzle out, it appears that now there is a full year of challenges. Regardless of your child’s use of social media, students talk and discuss trending topics and may even encourage each other to be part of an act without fully understanding the ramifications of such decisions.”

The school district shared a list of year-long TikTok challenges, that may be used to coerced peers to participate. These challenges range from “slap a staff member” and “mess up school signs,” to “jab a breast” and “make a mess in the courtyard or cafeteria,” the school said.

These challenges are part of the “Devious Licks” trend that began in September.

What Is The 'Devious Licks' Challenge?

The "Devious Licks Challenge" is the latest viral trend to emerge from the social media platform. This challenge encourages students to participate in raucous acts of vandalism at school.

In response, students and TikTok users have shattered mirrors, stolen soap dispensers, fire alarms, and football field turf, and intentionally clogged toilets, while filming to post on TikTok.

The trend started in September when a TikTok user posted a video of them stealing disposable masks, according to Know Your Meme. The video's caption read, with "a month into school absolutely devious lick. Should've brought a mask from home." The trend took off from there.

Usually, the video shows the TikTok user unzip their backpack to reveal their stolen goods, according to Mashable. The more difficult to obtain, the more devious the lick.

New Jersey Schools Keeping A Watch

Many schools across the state are keeping a close eye on the trend to ensure students don’t participate in acts of vandalism and assault.

The East Brunswick school district recently sent out a letter to parents asking them to have a conversation with their children on the topic.

Read More Here:

Howell Schools Warns Parents About Tik Tok Vandalism Challenge

TikTok 'Devious Licks Challenge' Pushes Schools To Brink

East Brunswick Schools Warns Of TikTok Vandalism Challenge

“Please take an opportunity to have a conversation with your child about the responsible and respectful use of technology and about making good choices that reflect their character,” the school district said in their letter. “Encourage your children to be leaders of respect and not to follow dangerous and potentially illegal trends.”

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