tik tok trend encourages vandalism in oyster bay

By Gwenyth Davey

Recent TikTok challenges have encouraged students across the world to vandalize school property, most notably school bathrooms. In recent weeks, this challenge has made its way to Oyster Bay, where school teachers and administrators have had to address the seriousness of such actions. In response to vandalism in school bathrooms, Ms. Sharon Lasher, Oyster Bay High School Principal, notified students over the loudspeaker that only two people at a time would be allowed in the bathrooms moving forward. 

Vandalism has always been a serious issue for schools, but social media adds a new dimension to this matter.  A Tik Tok challenge called ‘Devious Licks’ has led to increased vandalism by challenging students to upload videos of themselves destroying and vandalizing their school’s property. 

In Oyster Bay, bathroom monitors have been placed outside of every bathroom, and only two students are allowed in a bathroom at a time; additionally, students at Oyster Bay will continue to scan their IDs to get into the bathrooms. If vandalism continues even after these changes have been made, more extensive precautions will be taken, which may include closing the bathrooms during passing time between classes. 

Teachers and staff are urging students to come forward with any information they may have about vandalism occurring in our school. If those involved are discovered, immediate action will be taken.

Some students in other schools across the country are facing consequences worse than suspension, such as criminal charges. One 9th grader from Oyster Bay High School said, “I am afraid to go into the bathroom because there might be vandalism, and I do not want to be blamed for it.” 

​If you have any information on the vandalism in the bathrooms at Oyster Bay High School, please come forward and contact a staff member.