Destructive TikTok trend seen in Columbia Public Schools
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
Columbia Public Schools is having some bathroom trouble thanks to a new TikTok trend but a school spokeswoman says the problem here isn't as severe as it has been elsewhere.
The trend called "Devious Lick" is causing students to destroy their school's property. A student goes to school and steals something or vandalizes their school. YouTube has videos of students stealing items ranging from bathroom soap dispensers to classroom fire extinguishers.
CPS spokeswoman Michelle Baumstark said CPS has had a few incidents resulting from the trend. She sent an email out today encouraging parents to talk to their children about the consequences of the Tik Tok trend behavior.
"Our school staff work extremely hard to create a safe and healthy environment for our scholars," Baumstark wrote in an email. "The community has invested in high-quality learning facilities and in keeping our buildings well-maintained. Parents are encouraged to talk to their children about the consequences of such behavior and the importance of keeping our schools in good condition for the benefit of our community, fellow students, and our teachers and staff members."
Savaughan Kelly and Derek King are both students at Hickman High School here in Columbia. They say their bathrooms are destroyed.
"In one of our bathrooms there was a door off one of the stalls, there was a trash can flipped over with all of the paper towels and stuff all over the floor. The soap be like gone and like not in the dispensers," said King
Brady Wilburn, another Hickman High student said he now has to walk longer ways to go to the bathroom because of the new trend causes school bathrooms to be shut down. He feels the acts are childish.
"It makes me upset because it makes my walk to the bathroom have to take longer cause I mean it's shut down or something. I just feel like it's immature."
Students also said that they've been warned over the intercom that police can get involved.
Hickman High student Aiden Smith said he thought it was funny at first, but now it's not.
"I'm not going to be a part of it. I'm just going to do my own thing you know," said Smith.
This TikTok incident also happened at Lange Middle School. Baumstark confirmed that students at Lange Middle School volunteered to help custodians clean up after issues there.
Vandalism associated with the TikTok trend has been reported in schools across the country.
CBS 4 in Minnesota reported that Shakopee West Middle School sent out a letter to their parents saying school thefts have increased.
"The social media-spurred thefts, known as “devious licks,” have increased significantly in recent days, leaving bathrooms particularly damaged," the school said in its message.
