Another Dangerous Social Media Trend Is Baiting CA Kids

ONTARIO, CA — A dangerous trend has gained traction among young people on social media, and at least one Southern California law enforcement agency is warning about the consequences.

The new "Door Kick Challenge" is prompting some youth to participate, resulting in injuries and extensive property damage, according to a post shared Tuesday by the Ontario Police Department.

Surveillance video shared by the agency shows instances of minors kicking in front doors of homes. Once the doors are broken and smashed open, the youngsters flee.

"This behavior is dangerous and can result in injuries to individuals on either side of the door, significant property damage, and serious legal consequences, such as arrest and charges of vandalism or trespassing," Ontario police said.

The most serious charges could be levied if homeowners are injured. Additionally, pets and small children can be endangered if they escape through a damaged door, resulting in other serious charges.

The police department is encouraging families to speak with their kids about making "safe and responsible decisions, and remind them that online trends are never worth risking personal safety or future opportunities."

In California, felony vandalism (over $400 in damage) can result in incarceration, fines, restitution, and other possible penalties for convicted offenders. If a victim is seriously injured or killed during a vandalism act, the perpetrator can spend years behind bars.

Depending on the circumstances, parents can also be charged with crimes related to a minor child's misdeeds. Incarceration, fines, and/or parenting classes could be ordered.

The Door Kick Challenge is just one of many social media trends that have police, schools, and parents on alert. Last year, some California school districts warned of a deeply concerning social media trend that emerged on TikTok called the #ChromebookChallenge.

The challenge involved students forcefully inserting objects into the ports of their school-issued Chromebooks, with the expected outcome being sparks, fire, or smoke.

Other challenges can be far more horrific, such as the Choking Game or baiting kids to commit suicide in front of a live online audience.

California has enacted laws to protect children from these dangerous challenges and addiction to social media.

In 2024, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 976, which prohibits online platforms from knowingly providing an addictive feed to minors without parental consent. The law — dubbed "Protecting Our Kids from Social Media Addiction Act" — stops social media platforms from sending notifications to minors during school hours and late at night.

By Jan. 1, 2027, social media companies are required to know their users' ages and implement the requirements under SB 976.

However, a trade association representing technology companies — including behemoths such as Meta and TikTok — challenged the law. Sacramento scored an early victory in September when a Ninth Circuit ruling allowed most of SB 976 to become effective while litigation in the case proceeds.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta praised the ruling.

"Companies have blatantly shown us that they are willing to use addictive design features, including algorithmic feeds and notifications at all hours of the day and night, to target children and teens, solely to increase their profits," he said. "It’s time to put families in control. We remain confident in the underlying case and are committed to enforcing this law and continuing to vigorously defend it in court."