School Asks Families For Help Preventing TikTok Challenges

New Rochelle NY

12 October, 2021

11:47 AM

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NEW ROCHELLE, NY — Calling the rash of TikTok challenges in schools, "terrible criminal acts," the chief of New Rochelle schools is asking parents to put a stop to the troubling trend. In a letter to parents dated Oct. 11, Superintendent Jonathan P. Raymond did not indicate that the challenges have become a disruption at any New Rochelle schools, but said that students, families and staff need to "work collaboratively to ensure that these 'challenges' do not make their way into our schools." "Even if your child does not engage in social media, it is likely that they will hear about these trends through other students," Raymond told parents. "Educating your child about the serious implications of these actions is vital, and we ask that you have an open dialogue with your child about these indecent and dangerous social media challenges." 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. Raymond said he was reaching out to parents, in part, because upcoming TikTok challenges include "acts of assault, sexual assault, indecent exposure, vandalism, theft, truancy, and disrespectful behavior." He vowed that any students caught taking part in any such "criminal acts" will face serious consequences that could "negatively impact their long-term future."