Tiktok challenge leads to damaged schools

‘Devious Licks’ encourages students to record themselves trashing washrooms

A social media trend started in the U.S. involving students causing damage to school washrooms has made its way to Niagara.

A challenge on Tiktok called “Devious Licks” has hit some Niagara Catholic District School Board sites, said a letter sent to parents of students in grades seven to 12.

On Monday, the correspondence to families said damage was done to two washrooms and that there had also been an attempt to cause havoc in a third.

The challenge is for students to record themselves damaging their school washrooms, and then upload the video to Tiktok for others to view.

This vandalism includes stealing items affixed to walls, such as soap, towel and sanitizer dispensers, as well as plugging up sinks and toilets to cause flooding, said Niagara Catholic in its statement.

On Wednesday, board spokesperson Jen Pellegrini did not have any information as to a dollar value for the recent vandalism, or which schools were affected.

“It is disappointing to think that students in our schools would participate in this type of challenge that causes senseless

destruction,” Niagara Catholic said in its communication to parents.

“In addition to causing costly damage, it means that school custodians are not able to do their daily responsibilities, which includes additional cleaning of high touch-point areas that is crucial to stop the spread of COVID-19 and other viruses in our schools,” the board said, adding it also may mean washrooms need to be closed for extended periods of time while repairs are made, which “makes physical distancing a challenge.”

Students who are caught vandalizing school washrooms will be disciplined, including with possible suspensions, and parents may be responsible for the cost of any damages, the board said.

District School Board of Niagara is also dealing with vandalism related to the social media fad.

During the first weeks of school, secondary principals reported some damage in their schools, said chief communications officer Kim Sweeney.

“The damage has not been major, but it is concerning. In addition to the potential risks to student safety it also requires custodians to repair the damage. This takes time away from their regular duties of keeping schools clean and safe,” Sweeney said.

In some schools, positive messages have appeared in response to the damage.

“These message support students, their mental health and demonstrate pride in their school,” said Sweeney.