Photo: Southbridge High School
SOUTHBRIDGE, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio)— Educators and Government officials from states across New England are looking for action from social media app TikTok after two popular trends threatening school property and employees went viral.
The first trend, known as the 'devious licks' trend, saw students stealing and damaging school property. The next trend is the 'slap a teacher' trend, which sees students trying to slap their teachers on the behind.
Southbridge High School Principal Desiree Chumsantivut told WBZ's Kim Tunnicliffe (@KimWBZ) she had to send a letter home to parents after school property was destroyed for the trend.
"[We're] making parents aware and asking them to talk to their students and letting them know what kids are up to on social media and that it's actually damaging our school community," Chumsantivut said.
Read more: "Devious Licks" TikTok Challenge Hits Multiple Schools In Massachusetts
Connecticut State Attorney General William Tong took it a step forward and penned a letter to TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew calling for a meeting with him in Connecticut. He also called for TikTok to share its plan and policies for handling abuse on the platform with him.
'This has to stop," Tong said. "I want a guarantee from [Chew] that they're going to do everything they can to stop this sort of behavior on this platform and end these viral videos."
In his letter, Tong cited incidents at New Britain High School, that had to temporarily close due to excessive amounts of theft and vandalism. Southbridge High School also had toilets in their bathrooms smashed and broken.
WBZ's Kim Tunnicliffe (@KimWBZ) has the story.
Follow WBZ NewsRadio: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | iHeartmedia App