A challenge circulating on TikTok and Twitter is challenging students to wreak havoc at their schools during the upcoming months.
The proposed list is as follows:
● September: Vandalize school bathrooms and steal something from the school.
● October: Slap a staff member.
● November: Kiss your friend’s girlfriend at school.
● December: Deck the halls and show your (male privates).
● January: Jab a breast.
● February: Mess up school signs.
● March: Make a mess in the courtyard or cafeteria.
● April: “Grab some eggz” (another stealing challenge).
● May: Ditch Day.
● June: Flip off the front office.
● July: Spray a neighbor’s fence.
“This has definitely been an issue already and principals have been proactively addressing the future ‘challenges,’ ” said Superintendent of Schools Janet Ciarrocca of the North Brunswick School District, who said there had been incidents in September with students vandalizing bathrooms. “I would love to see pressure on TikTok somehow to block these (challenges).”
According to a letter sent by the administration in the South Brunswick School District, “Regardless of your child’s use of social media, students talk and discuss trending topics and may even encourage each other to be part of an act without fully understanding the ramifications of such decisions.
“… Social media portrays these acts as entertaining, which they are not. Engaging in these acts may have very serious consequences beyond the school’s code of conduct and some are illegal. What seems like a harmless or funny prank to a youngster could have a long-term and lasting impact.
“Technology and social media can provide us with an array of positive experiences if used correctly and responsibly. Please take an opportunity to have a conversation with your child about the responsible and respectful use of technology and about making good choices that reflect their character.
“Encourage your children to be leaders of respect and not to follow dangerous and potentially illegal trends,” Peter Varela, principal of South Brunswick High School, Kimberly Bynoe, principal of Crossroads Middle School North, and Bonnie Capes, principal of Crossroads Middle School South, said in a joint statement.