TikTok is a social media platform that allows users to create and share short videos. It has become wildly popular among teenagers and young adults, with 67% of teens reporting that they use TikTok. On the app, viral challenges and trends spread quickly, with users creating their own videos by mimicking an initial trending video. These challenges often involve dancing, comedy skits, or participating in viral stunts.
Recently, many of the most popular TikTok challenges have involved activities that are inappropriate or dangerous for a school setting. Students are bringing these challenges into schools and participating on school grounds. This has become a major issue that is impacting students, educators, and administrators in negative ways. This article will examine some of the most concerning TikTok challenges infiltrating schools and analyze their effects.
Background on TikTok
TikTok is a short-form video hosting service owned by ByteDance, a Beijing-based internet technology company founded in 2012 by Zhang Yiming. It launched in September 2016 in China as Douyin (Chinese: 抖音; pinyin: Dǒuyīn) and quickly gained popularity. In 2017, ByteDance developed an international version called TikTok that launched outside of China.
TikTok enables users to create and share 15 to 60 second videos on any topic. It provides easy-to-use editing tools and effects that allow users to set videos to music, perform stunts, dance, or participate in challenges. The app’s algorithm is designed to determine a user’s interests and preferences through their interactions, and recommend relevant short videos to keep them engaged.
As of 2022, TikTok has over 1 billion monthly active users worldwide. It is especially popular among Generation Z, with about 60% of its global users being between the ages of 16 and 24. The platform’s format and algorithm lend themselves well to trends and challenges going viral among young people.
Sources: https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/zhangyiming
Recent Viral Challenges
Some concerning viral challenges have spread on TikTok and impacted schools recently. One was the “Devious Licks” challenge in which students vandalized school property and stole items, then posted videos bragging about their mischief 1. Participating students often stole school supplies, damaged soap dispensers and toilets, and raided fire extinguishers. This led to thousands of dollars in damage and forced some schools to remove bathroom doors or shut bathrooms entirely.
Another was the “Slap a Teacher” dare that encouraged students to assault teachers, then post the videos online. Though not as widespread, numerous students did slap or punch educators 1. This challenge created an atmosphere of fear and anxiety for many teachers.
Additionally, the “bathroom mirror selfie” challenge prompted students to sneak into bathrooms, climb on sinks, evade security systems, and pose for photos. This challenge damaged property and violated school rules 3. Some schools responded by increasing bathroom supervision and security.
Impact on Students
Students face enormous peer pressure to participate in viral TikTok challenges, even when they involve dangerous or harmful acts. The desire for social approval and status leads some students to participate despite knowing they may face serious consequences (USNews).
Widespread participation in TikTok challenges has led to many students being suspended or facing other disciplinary punishments at school. Getting suspended can negatively impact a student’s academic record and future opportunities (Character.org).
The viral nature of TikTok challenges also encourages students to waste class time and disrupt learning environments. Students try to film challenge videos in bathrooms, hallways, and even classrooms. The constant distractions make it difficult for willing students to focus and learn (EdWeek).
Impact on Educators
Educators have faced numerous challenges in managing disruptions and misbehavior caused by viral TikTok trends. Teachers have reported spending significant time addressing incidents like bathroom vandalism, theft, fights, and classroom interruptions related to students participating in TikTok dares or challenges (https://www.edweek.org/technology/tiktok-challenges-are-a-nightmare-for-schools-how-should-educators-respond/2022/10). This takes away from valuable instructional time and strains teachers who have to monitor and discipline constantly.
TikTok challenges that encourage theft and vandalism also lead to damage of school property. Bathrooms in particular have been targets, with trends like “devious licks” resulting in thefts and destruction of soap dispensers, toilets, sinks, and stall doors. Repairing this damage places additional financial burden on schools (https://www.usnews.com/education/k12/articles/how-schools-are-handling-tiktok-challenges).
Finally, educators express strong concerns about student safety with TikTok challenges that encourage dangerous stunts and misconduct. Trends like “slap a teacher” or the “skullbreaker challenge” directly endanger students and staff. Even when not targeting people, risky stunts can lead to injuries requiring medical care. Monitoring challenges and mitigating risks takes time away from standard educational duties for teachers and administrators alike.
Impact on Administrators
TikTok challenges have created new headaches for school administrators, who are tasked with keeping students safe and maintaining order. Many administrators have responded by issuing warnings about expulsion or other punishments for participating in disruptive or dangerous viral challenges (1). They remind students that recording or distributing images of others without consent can lead to criminal charges or civil lawsuits.
Administrators are also updating school policies to more explicitly prohibit harmful viral challenges and explain consequences. The policies outline rules against vandalism, harassment, violence, disruption of school activities, and promotion of dangerous stunts (2). Some districts now require students to sign updated acceptable use policies regarding social media.
Additionally, administrators are being more proactive in monitoring social media trends to stay ahead of the next viral challenge. They track hashtags and warnings from other schools to prepare prevention messaging and discipline procedures in advance rather than reacting after a challenge leads to problems (3). By flipping the script, administrators hope to discourage harmful challenges before they spread.
Sources:
(1) https://farthertogether.org/2021/10/03/flipping-the-script-on-the-tiktok-challenge/
(2) https://www.usnews.com/education/k12/articles/how-schools-are-handling-tiktok-challenges
(3) https://www.edweek.org/technology/tiktok-challenges-are-a-nightmare-for-schools-how-should-educators-respond/2022/10
Legal Consequences
Many of the viral TikTok challenges have led to criminal charges for participants. The “devious licks” challenge, where students vandalized school bathrooms and stole items, resulted in misdemeanor and even felony charges in some cases (TikTok school challenge calendar includes misdemeanor, felony crimes). Legal experts warn that students could face criminal charges like larceny and malicious destruction of property for participation in such challenges ( Legal experts warn kids could face legal consequences for TikTok challenge).
These viral challenges have also created lawsuits and liability issues for schools. Administrators have had to take costly measures like increasing security and surveillance to combat these challenges. Schools impacted by damage or theft have also pursued legal action against the families of students involved. The challenges divert time and resources away from education, so schools may be vulnerable to negligence claims if they fail to address these disruptions adequately.
School Responses
Many schools have implemented new policies and procedures to address viral TikTok challenges and minimize disruptions. Some common school responses include:
Social media monitoring – Schools are closely monitoring platforms like TikTok for signs of emerging challenges. By staying informed, administrators can quickly intervene and educate students.
Updated cell phone policies – Strict no cell phone policies are becoming more common, with schools banning phone use during the school day. This makes it harder for students to film or share disruptive videos.
Education on challenges – Schools are being proactive and educating students about the consequences of participating in challenges. Teachers are having open discussions about digital citizenship and encouraging students to make positive choices online.
According to research from USNews.com, these responses have been effective. However, viral challenges remain an ongoing issue that requires continued vigilance from educators.
Expert Perspectives
Educators across the country are concerned about the impact of viral TikTok challenges in schools. In an interview with EdWeek, Mike Moody, principal at West Geauga High School in Ohio said, “The biggest thing is just trying to educate both students and parents on appropriate use of social media” (source). Monitoring kids’ social media use and having open discussions at home can help mitigate issues.
Lisa Meade, a high school counselor in Virginia, recommends that parents “have lots of talks with your kids about making good choices and about how quickly things can get out of hand on social media” (source). Teaching media literacy and digital citizenship early on is key.
Overall, experts emphasize proactive communication, establishing social media guidelines at home, and partnering with schools to address concerning online behavior before it becomes problematic.
Conclusion
In summary, TikTok challenges have become increasingly popular among students in recent years. While some of the viral trends are harmless and fun, others can be dangerous or disruptive if done on school grounds. Participating in challenges like the devious licks or slap a teacher challenge can result in disciplinary action or even criminal charges. The spread of these challenges highlights the need for students to think critically about their online behavior and make smart choices. Parents, teachers, and school administrators also have an important role to play in monitoring activities and explaining potential consequences. Implementing social media education, establishing clear rules around recording videos at school, and fostering open communication may help prevent further problematic challenges from arising.
Going forward, the solution lies in promoting greater awareness about social media challenges and implementing preventative measures. Schools can educate students on making wise choices online and train staff on recognizing warning signs. Implementing school-wide policies on recording and posting videos may deter violations. Enforcing appropriate consequences when challenges cause harm can demonstrate the seriousness of the issue. Offering guidance to help students make safe and ethical decisions when faced with peer pressure to participate in a viral trend is also important. With a collaborative effort between students, educators, parents, and social media platforms, the appeal and impact of dangerous online challenges can be reduced.
