Three juvenile suspects are linked to USD 353 bathroom vandalism as part of a TikTok challenge
by Tracy McCue, Sumner Newscow — The Wellington Police Department said there are three juvenile suspects linked with the Wellington High School bathroom vandalism that occurred a couple of weeks ago.
A total of six soap dispensers with a total value of $120 were destroyed. The dispensers were scattered throughout the school building’s bathrooms at the art hallway, 200 hallway, commons area, 400 hallway, and agriculture building according to WPD Chief Tracy Heath.
The vandalism appears to stem from a new TikTok trend in which students across the country are vandalizing their school bathrooms and posting about it on the social media platform.
The new social media challenge encourages students to steal things like fire extinguishers or soap dispensers or vandalize school property.
The viral TikTok challenge is called the “Devious Licks” trend and is growing in popularity. According to estimates, there have been over 94,000 viral videos uploaded in the last couple of months.
The situation warranted a letter sent by Wellington Superintendent Adam Hatfield to USD 353 parents:
“We are beginning to see trends that are perpetuated by social media platforms such as Tik Tok, Instagram, Snapchat, etc. Most recently, there was a social media challenge nationwide encouraging students to vandalize their school bathrooms and/or steal items from their classrooms. Students film themselves engaging in these acts and post them to various sites.
Because of this viral trend, we have had incidents of theft and vandalism happening in the district. We are also aware that there are other challenges approaching in future months, some including assaulting school employees.”
The letter went on to say:
“Please keep in mind that the state statute on battery in the State of Kansas includes causing physical contact to another in a rude, insulting or angry manner. No physical injury or bodily harm is required. If the victim is a school employee, it is classified as a Class A Person Misdemeanor. If committed by an adult, it carries up to 1 year in jail and a maximum fine of $2500.
Our buildings are meant to be a safe, clean space for our students and staff. There will be consequences for students who choose to engage in this behavior, and can include the involvement of law enforcement.
We appreciate your support and encourage you to discuss your child’s social media accounts and the adverse effects of peer pressure that can be promoted by these platforms.”
