A viral TikTok challenge that encourages youngsters to steal and damage school property has already cost one district $20,000 in damages. Police and educational officials are urging parents to have talks with their children about the trend and urge them to inform authorities if they witness any illegal activity.
A new trend known as “Devious Licks” was inspired by a teen on TikTok who recorded himself using a stolen box of face masks. A teenager who had stolen a school’s hand sanitizer dispenser from the wall was copied in another video. This clip has over 7 million views in 24 hours.
Schools across the country began reporting that kids were stealing and vandalizing things in bathrooms. At one school, they had to replace more than 40 soap dispensers. The kids are taking toilet paper too. It is estimated that the damage is about 20,000 dollars.
To prevent vandalism, Selma High School in the San Joaquin Valley has closed its restrooms. Franklin High School At Elk Grove had to do the same. Mesa Verde High School in Citrus Heights has been badly damaged.
Schools in Contra Costa County have also been affected. In a letter to parents on Thursday, San Ramon Valley Unified stated that the situation had caused “significant damage” to the school. As of last week, LA Unified, California’s largest district, had not encountered any serious problems, but Ventura County schools did.
“Devious Licks,” which is sweeping the United States, has resulted in a slew of juvenile arrests, some of which can have long-term consequences. According to research, adolescents who are suspended or expelled are more likely to end up in jail as adults.
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