Parents, teachers and school administrators were shocked earlier this year by a TikTok challenge known as “Devious Licks” that saw students swiping everything from soap dispensers to mirrors to urinals from their schools. Now, some NJ school districts are warning parents that there are potentially more of these “challenges” which often involve illegal activity on the horizon.
The latest challenge parents need to be aware of is a terrible one — slap a teacher. According to USA Today, several kids have been brought up on charges and/or are facing disciplinary action after physically assaulting staff members at their schools as part of the challenge.
The following list has been circulating on TikTok and Twitter:
- September – Vandalize school bathrooms
- October – Smack a staff member
- November – Kiss your friend’s girlfriend at school
- December – “Deck the halls and show your (private parts)”
- January – Jab a breast
- February – Mess up school signs
- March – Make a mess in the courtyard or cafeteria
- April – “Grab some eggz” (stealing)
- May – Ditch day
- June – Flip off in the front office
- July – Spray a neighbor’s fence
John Bilodeau, superintendent of the Gloucester Township Public Schools, wrote a letter to parents and staff saying the challenges will not be tolerated.
“We want nothing more than for our students and staff to take pride in their schools and show respect for their learning environments,” Bilodeau wrote. “Negative behaviors such as theft, vandalism and assault will not be tolerated in our schools and is placing undue stress on our students and school staff who work diligently to ensure our buildings are clean and safe.”
H. Major Poteat, Ed.D., superintendent in the Winslow Township School District in Camden County, had a similar message in a Facebook post to parents and guardians.
“Behavior associated with these challenges, often called Devious Licks, will not be tolerated in the Winslow Township School District. Please discuss with your child the danger and serious consequences of participating in these challenges,” read the message. “This letter will serve as the only warning for this unacceptable behavior.”