Trends in Social Media

Unfortunately, social media often has more influence on youth behavior than parental example and influence. I’m referring specifically to the TikTok challenges that inspire typically well-behaved young people to take risks or commit unsavory or illegal acts to net a degree of social media fame. According to an article in the Dallas Morning News, a current challenge that is vexing North Texas schools and schools everywhere is known as “Devious Licks.” In the Devious Licks challenges, participants video themselves stealing, moving and in some cases, destroying school property and equipment as each challenger tries to outdo each other with bigger, bolder, and often more expensive acts of theft or vandalism.

North Texas students have been filmed vandalizing bathrooms, taking science equipment, wet floor signs and other school property. Denton ISD students must bring their own soap to school because of damage to school property in bathrooms. In some cases, school bathrooms have been locked to prevent continued damage to facilities. Thousands of dollars in damage have been done in North Texas schools related to this TikTok challenge.

Participants may see their actions as fun and games or pranks. However, they are committing crimes for which they may find themselves in court to answer for their actions. For high school seniors, these actions can negatively impact their college or scholarship prospects. Social behavior is as important as academic progress in schools. Parents must ensure their children are not participating in trendy challenges that may last a short while but could potentially have consequences that last long after the challenge is forgotten.

TikTok is a very popular but often inappropriate social media platform. Along with the cute kitten and puppy videos is content that most parents would likely deem inappropriate for children under sixteen. Yet, I know many grade-school kids who regularly access TikTok content without parental supervision. Like all social media platforms, parents are encouraged to closely supervise their children’s use of all social media including TikTok. Don’t assume your children would never engage in such behavior. Children are often oblivious to the potential consequences that could follow their choices. Let’s be sure to proactively discuss trends in social media with them to avoid unnecessary pitfalls.

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