After damage and theft at Westport schools, Superintendent warns parents of “slap a teacher in the face” challenge

After schools in Westport were damaged and had items stolen, the school superintendent is warning parents of yet another new TikTok challenge.

In a letter sent to the community, Thomas Aubin stated that he was “writing to inform you and enlist your support regarding the recent TikTok trend encouraging students to engage in a series of inappropriate, unsafe conduct and behavior at school.”

Aubin is looking for the support of parents and to strongly encourage them “to discuss the negative impact of engaging in inappropriate TikTok challenges” with children.”

Aubin warns of the consequences if students participate in the new “slap a teacher in the face” challenge.

“October’s disturbing trend on TikTok is promoting that students slap a teacher in the face. Please make sure that your child is fully aware that students participating in this behavior that violates our district’s core values and code of conduct will be subject to disciplinary action consistent with our Student Handbooks. It is important that our students understand that if anyone slaps or attempts to slap any staff member, they will be subject to disciplinary action and may be subject to criminal charges. I want to remind you that Massachusetts General Law, c.71 Section 37 states in part, any student who assaults a principal, Assistant principal, teacher, Teacher’s aide or other educational staff on school premises or at school sponsored or school-related events, including athletic games, may be subject to expulsion from the school.”

In the letter, Aubin also touched on the recent damage and thefts that occurred at schools in town due to TikTok challenges.

“For context, September’s challenge was called the devious licks challenge. A “lick” is a term referring to theft. This trend encouraged students to steal and vandalize school property-specifically school bathrooms. Viral incidents included students stealing soap dispensers, toilets, and hand sanitizers. As a result, schools across the nation are reporting thousands of dollars in damages, closure of essential facilities, and accidents among faculty and students. Unfortunately, we experienced incidents of vandalism and theft in a few of our schools as well, which we investigated and addressed. We understand that TikTok has since disabled and removed content and search capabilities relating to the devious licks trend.”

Massachusetts has also recently seen a new TikTok challenge that may be the most dangerous one yet.