Gloucester Township Schools Warns Of TikTok Vandalism Challenge

GLOUCESTER TOWNSHIP, NJ — The Gloucester Township K-8 Public School District is warning parents about a disturbing, new trend that has emerged on TikTok, the popular video-sharing social network service, aimed at school-aged children.

The "Devious Licks" challenge encourages students to engage in, record videos, and post these behaviors as "challenges" which are dangerous, destructive, and in some cases, criminal in nature, Gloucester Township Superintendent of Schools John Bilodeau said in a letter to parents this week.

“We want nothing more than for our students and staff to take pride in their schools and show respect for their learning environments,” Bilodeau said. “Negative behaviors such as theft, vandalism, and assault will not be tolerated in our schools and is placing undue stress on our students and school staff who work diligently to ensure our buildings are clean and safe.”

He shared the list of upcoming challenges that are currently circulating on TikTok and Twitter. The list runs through July:

• September: Vandalize school bathrooms
• October: Smack a staff member
• November: Kiss your friend's girlfriend at school
• December: Deck the halls and show your balls
• January: Jab a breast
• February: Mess up school signs
• March: Make a mess in the courtyard or cafeteria
• April: "Grab some eggz" (another stealing challenge)
• May: Ditch day
• June: Flip off in the front office
• July: Spray a neighbor's fence

“We are sharing this information with all Gloucester Township families in an effo1t to be proactive and engage your children in important conversations about the kind of school we want to attend and the character we want all of our students to exhibit,” Bilodeau said. “It is important that our students understand any participation in these actions will not be tolerated in school nor by law enforcement. We will do our part, throughout our schools, to clearly communicate to all students that these actions will have immediate and potentially long-term ramifications.”

However, although the trend is said to be circulating on TikTok, the social media company says students are learning about it elsewhere.

"This alleged 'challenge' would violate our policies, and we would aggressively remove such content, but the reality is that we have not found related content on our platform, and most people appear to be learning about the offline dare from sources other than TikTok," a TikTok spokesperson said.

What Is The 'Devious Licks' Challenge?

The "Devious Licks Challenge"encourages students to participate in raucous acts of vandalism at school.

In response, students and TikTok users have shattered mirrors, stolen soap dispensers, fire alarms and football field turf, and intentionally clogged toilets, while filming to post on TikTok.

The trend started in September when a TikTok user posted a video of them stealing disposable masks, according to Know Your Meme. The video's caption read, with "a month into school, absolutely devious lick. Should've brought a mask from home." The trend took off from there.

Usually, the video shows the TikTok user unzip their backpack to reveal their stolen goods, according to Mashable. The more difficult to obtain, the more devious the lick.

“We appreciate your assistance in reinforcing the seriousness of this message and are hopeful that you will unite with school officials to prevent our children from becoming prey to this negative behavior,” Bilodeau said. “I sincerely thank you for the outstanding efforts you perform each day in your monumental job as parents to our great students.”