Closing of some Highlands Middle School bathrooms has helped curb TikTok challenge, officials say

Several restrooms at Highlands Middle School are off-limits to help administrators curb the “Devious Licks” TikTok challenge, a national social media trend that dares students to steal soap dispensers and unhinge stall doors as part of a prank.

The items, or “licks,” are then posted to social media. Videos of the destruction were racking up millions of views before being banned from the popular app.

Local schools are dealing with a national trend called "Devious Licks." Students make videos of themselves stealing or vandalizing school property. In the last week, a warning went out to Hagerstown parents and a urinal was ripped off a wall at a Preble County high school. pic.twitter.com/wSDpaxwyVd

— Jeff Lane (@jeff_lanenews) September 23, 2021

Swift action by school administrators has quieted the vandalism to some degree, according to Middle School Principal Kimberly Price.

Highlands first reported the damage last week and alerted parents through a letter that the behavior can lead to criminal charges.

“After our note home, we have seen some decline in the destruction of property in the bathrooms, but we are still seeing some vandalism,” Price said.

Damage has included broken toilet paper dispensers and door locks, stolen soap dispensers, damaged ceiling tiles and flooded toilets.

The cost to repair the damage was unclear.

“This is the scope of the damage to date, and we hope it is stops here,” Price said.

She said many of the school bathrooms have been closed except the most centralized locations so staff can closely monitor them.

“Our goal is to partner with our parents to teach our expectations and the reasons why we are expecting students to be respectful, accountable, motivated and safe in our bathrooms,” she said.

The TikTok challenge is sweeping the country, with school personnel reporting damage that ranges from theft of water fountains to stolen urinals. In Tampa, Fla., three students were arrested for vandalism; in Arizona, a 15-year-old was arrested for stealing a soap dispenser. The list goes on.

Locally, state police at Greensburg said they are investigating vandalism at a Hempfield Area High School bathroom related to the challenge. Assistant Superintendent Matt Conner said consequences for students who vandalize school property could include “possible referral to law enforcement for prosecution for criminal mischief, compensation for damages and a possible suspension.”

Price also said consequences for those caught destroying school property at Highlands could include suspension, community service during detention time after school, citations and fines.

Representatives of Highlands-area District Judge Carolyn Bengel said a summary offense could cost $25 to $300 for each citation.

Price said administrators are investigating camera footage and have logged each incident.