Troubling Pattern: Faculty leaders tackle latest TikTok development encouraging theft and vandalism on campus | WJHL

TRI-CITIES, Tenn. (WJHL) – A troubling TikTok trend is attracting the attention of school principals across the country, and even here in the Tri-Cities.

The trend, known as “devil licks,” encourages students to steal and / or destroy items from campus. These students record their quests and then post them on the app.

While the trend went live shortly after the month started, Johnson City Schools first noticed destruction on their campus on Monday, prompting them to send a letter to parents and students addressing the issue.

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Here is the statement emailed to parents with students in the district:

We want to alert you to a worrying trend that has emerged at Indian Trail, Liberty Bell, and Science Hill. A challenge on the TikTok social media platform prompts students to steal or destroy school property and then post a picture or video of the item as a “trophy”. Schools across the country are seeing this in terms of behavior. Theft and vandalism have academic consequences such as suspension, financial compensation and loss of privileges. These cases are also forwarded to the police for reporting. Please talk to your students about this trend and let them know your expectations. We have beautiful facilities in our district and many hardworking employees who take pride in maintaining them well for our benefit. Thank you for working with us to keep our schools and students safe.

-Johnson City Schools

While the theft wasn’t exactly extreme in some of the more viral videos, school officials want students to know that this trend, in any form, is now welcome on campus in the Tricity.

“There were things like soap dispensers from the bathrooms, signs, kids take things with them. We haven’t had any really important things so far, ”said Dr. Greg Wallace, JC Johnson City Schools Safety and Mental Health Director.

While the letter sent by Johnson City Schools outlined the ramifications for the school, attending may also threaten legal ramifications.

“From $ 1,000 they can be calculated at a different level, and that can add up pretty quickly when you consider not only the theft of the property but also the destruction of the property. So it’s one of those things that kids might find funny or get them noticed, but it can be a pretty serious problem, ”Wallace said.

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Kingsport City Schools officials told News Channel 11 that they are seeing the same thing in their schools.

“It doesn’t really reflect who we are as a district to cause such destruction and damage to our schools. We are beginning to see some of this vandalism happening so we really encourage our students, our families and our staff to all work together to set a high bar and make sure these things are addressed, ”said Kingsport City Schools Asst. Superintendent, Dr. Andy True.

Although Johnson City Schools cannot take disciplinary action against these students, they have confirmed that those caught attending have been subjected to the appropriate consequences.

As for the trend, TikTok is now removing videos showing students stealing items in hopes of ending this worrying trend.

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