Police in McHenry County are warning parents about new TikTok challenges that involve students stealing or damaging school property and battering school staff.
A recent TikTok challenge called “devious licks” encourages kids to steal or damage property while recording their actions and posting the recording online, the Cary Police Department said in a statement.
“In Cary, we are aware of several instances of bathrooms being vandalized in schools and other public spaces,” Cary Deputy Police Chief Scott Naydenoff said.
Naydenoff said there is also another new TikTok challenge which calls for students to record themselves smacking or slapping a school staff member and posting the video online.
The Cary Police Department said they urge parents to speak with their children regarding the potential consequences of participating in these types of challenges, which “ultimately involve criminal actions.”
Police say that damaging property is a criminal offense ranging from a misdemeanor to a felony depending on the ownership status of the property and the amount of damage caused.
Damaging school property is considered criminal damage to state-supported property, which is a felony.
Police say that the latest challenge that encourages students to make physical contact with a school staff member is a criminal act called aggravated battery, which is also a felony.
“Again, please speak with children and remind them while participating in these challenges may seem fun, they have the potential to come with significant consequences,” Naydenoff said.