You’ve probably heard of TikTok challenges. But have you heard about the havoc they’re wreaking in U.S. schools?
Over the last year, challenges like devious licks (students steal and vandalize property) have spread like wildfire throughout schools in the U.S. But now, challenges like ‘slap a teacher’ have teachers at their breaking points.
Bathrooms in schools throughout the country are flooded, vandalized, and wrecked. And teachers are finally speaking up — the President of the National Education Association, Becky Pringle, sent a letter to the CEOs of TikTok, Facebook, and Twitter in an effort to address the chaos. Pringle wrote:
“…online ‘trends’ and false information have spread like wildfire throughout social media platforms. From stealing school property and hitting school staff, to conspiracy theories on curriculum and coronavirus protocols – have helped create a culture of fear and violence with educators as targets.”
TikTok announced its intention to remove hashtags related to destructive behavior as the platform is in agreement with educators: “The rumored ‘slap a teacher’ dare is an insult to educators everywhere.”
After a year of lockdowns, both students and teachers alike are adjusting to being back in the classroom. And it’s apparently not going very well. 😬