Has the Latest TikTok Trend Crossed the Line?
By Katherine Herrera, Staff Writer
A recent viral TikTok trend has surfaced, compelling students to vandalize and steal school property and subsequently brag about it to their followers. From notebooks to smart boards, soap dispensers to principals’ car tires, the trend has made waves nationwide, and has now even reached Herndon.
Aside from stolen soap dispensers and missing ceiling tiles, the most recent incident is rumored to have happened last Tuesday during seventh period. Students were said to have attempted to steal a fire alarm, resulting in the unprompted evacuation of the school. Another case included a stolen classroom projector, which culminated in a severe reprimand for all students involved. Outside of
Herndon, some schools have even taken extreme measures, like shutting down bathrooms for large portions of the day. Policies such as that have also garnered a fair share of controversy among students, many of whom feel they are being punished unjustly for the actions of a few.
While this trend might have students laughing, teachers aren’t so pleased. FCPS has taken it upon itself to deter students from participating, or else face major consequences. And as of a few days ago, TikTok has also banned the trend. In an email sent out by Superintendent Scott Brabrand, confirming that FCPS middle and high schools “have been forced to reallocate staffing resources from other important roles to increase bathroom monitoring.”
Brabrand added, “Thankfully Tiktok confirmed that it has banned any content related to this trend as a violation of the platform’s community guidelines.”
Do you think the trend is hilarious and worth the views? Or are the harmful effects not worth it for just a TikTok?