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September 21, 2021 - 7:00 AM
A social media trend where students are taking things like soap dispensers, fire alarms and mirrors from school bathrooms and showing them off on TikTok has spread to the Okanagan.
Central Okanagan Public Schools superintendent Kevin Kaardal said since school started in the last two weeks, more than 24 incidents have been reported within the school district in relation to the TikTok trend.
Students steal items and then post them in videos under the hashtag #deviouslicks or #diabolicallicks.
“We’re investigating and we’re aware of the game and we’re disappointed that TikTok would allow it to exist,” Kaardal said.
The social media site appears to have taken steps to stop the trend. As of Sept. 20, search results for the hashtags show no results.
“This phrase may be associated with behaviour or content that violates our guidelines. Promoting a safe and positive experience is TikTok’s top priority” is what pops up instead.
The incidents are considered to be vandalism or theft and schools are pursuing them through an investigative process, Kaardal said.
The incidents are occurring across several schools mostly at the middle and high school level, he said.
They've also been reported to the RCMP. Sometimes civil options like reparations can be pursued once the perpetrators are found, he said.
The cost of repairs currently equals a few thousand dollars across the district, in addition to the costs it takes for staff to repair or replace items, he said.
“We’re concerned and we’re taking it very seriously and schools are investigating… and we will respond appropriately when we find the perpetrators. We really strongly recommend that our young people be more productive with their time,” Kaardal said.
The school district will also reach out to the social media platform to try and get the videos removed, he said.
“I would also encourage parents to check their adolescents’ TikTok accounts to make sure they’re not engaging in this activity.”
School districts in Kamloops, Vernon and Penticton did not return a request for comment by Monday's deadline.
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