New TikTok trend dares kids to slap teachers, school staff

The slapping challenge started this month on the social media platform

Another TikTok trend is making the rounds, and it could land students in serious trouble. The latest challenge, called “slap a staff member,” dares kids to slap teachers and school officials.

School districts are now asking the parents for help. They say parents play a significant role by talking with their kids about how serious hitting someone is.

I think it’s rude but funny, Chrisa Little said, a District 186 student.

The slapping challenge started this month on the social media platform.

Educators across Sangamon County (US) are sending out a warning to students: do not try this, or you could get suspended or expelled from school.

Doing something of that nature would result in severe discipline, as well as potential legal matters, Dr. Douglas Wood said, the Ball-Chatham Superintendent.

Both the Ball-Chatham School District and District 186 sent parents a message asking them to discuss with their children about technology use and being responsible.

Wood said school officials and parents can’t stress enough how problematic this challenge can be, he said, the seriousness of hitting someone, slapping someone, quite frankly assaulting someone.

Both District 186 and Ball-Chatham schools said, so far, they have not had any incidents of the slap a staff member challenge.

One parent said that’s advice she’s encouraging other parents to take.

I do think that parents should monitor their children more in technology, said parent Lexi Beechler said.

Beechler said there would be consequences if her son tried something like this. I would be upset, and I would probably ground him and take his technology away.

TikTok said they would remove videos promoting the behaviour if they were posted online.