New TikTok Trend Causing Problems for Iowa Schools

As if schools don't have it tough enough already in 2021, a new TikTok trend is causing even more havoc in schools across the country, including here in Iowa. The new viral trend is called 'Devious Licks' and it involves stealing items from schools, and then posting them on TikTok for the world to see.

USA Today reports that kids are taking anything they can get their hands on, from soap dispensers and toilets, to computers and film projectors. It appears that bathrooms are the major target as things like mirrors, sinks, urinals, ceiling tiles, and more are being stolen, and then displayed on the social media app. The Cedar Rapids Gazette reports that early posters of devious licks got millions of likes. That has prompted copycat videos to pop up and the trend to continue.

The principal at Iowa City West high school told the Gazette that the first day something was stolen, officials at the school figured out what was going on. The most stolen items at West include bathroom items like soap dispensers, paper towel dispensers, and toilet paper. School officials say they haven't seen any TikTok videos featuring West students yet.

So can students be charged with theft, or vandalism? West school officials told the Gazette that a student would have to be caught in the act of stealing an item. If caught, the punishment would be the same as vandalism, with punishments ranging from a parent meeting to an in school suspension.

USA Today reports that TikTok has since taken down the 'devious licks' hashtag, and discourages such behavior.