Pasadena Unified Warns Students Against Viral TikTok Challenge

PASADENA, CA — A viral TikTok challenge has encouraged students across the United States to destroy or steal items from their schools. The Pasadena Unified School District is hoping to clamp down on the destructive trend.

The “Devious Licks” trend has picked up steam on social media since students have been allowed back into the classrooms, and Pasadena Unified Superintendent Brian McDonald announced, “items have been destroyed, stolen or manipulated on some of our campuses.”

The social media trend primarily targets a school’s restrooms and encourages students to film themselves stealing or destroying items such as sinks, toilets and soap dispensers. The challenge could cost schools several thousands of dollars to replace the stolen or damaged items.

McDonald said schools are reviewing footage from past incidents to identify students who may have taken part in the challenge. Campuses will also see an increase in surveillance, he said.

“We are asking parents to partner with us to help prevent this needless damage to school property and to inform youth of the serious consequences that can come with something they might perceive as a “harmless prank,” McDonald said.

Any student caught participating in the challenge could face felony charges, according to McDonald. Schools could seek financial reimbursement from a student or their family.

Students caught participating in the challenge could also be barred from clubs, athletics and graduation.