TikTok’s “bathroom vandalism” challenge hit Lincoln public schools

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LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN) – A new TikTok challenge is taking over social media, with children spoiling school bathrooms. It’s happening across the country and in a handful of middle and high schools in Lincoln public schools.

“Imagine what it would be like for someone to come to your house and break and steal your stuff,” said McKenzie Ness, Lincoln High Senior.

Now the restrooms are clean, but for the past two weeks at schools like Lincoln High, the restrooms have been destroyed by students.

“It’s been a disturbing trend where we’ve been working hard to slow down,” said Mark Larson, director of Lincoln High. He said the damage caused by the students includes “rolls of toilet paper and rolls of soap and paper towels, things like that.”

Most students claim that this new TikTok challenge is annoying. A group that helps with cleaning said they don’t find it at all fun. “Vandalizing your school isn’t great, even if it’s by a trend,” said Lincoln senior Erin Swift.

It’s not just at Lincoln High, two-thirds of Lincoln high schools and high schools have reported similar damage. The East Lincoln director sent a message saying it was not acceptable. He also asked parents to remind students that this is not “the responsible and respectful behavior” they expect.

Lincoln High staff have decided to keep several bathrooms closed to minimize damage. They have also expanded supervision and require students to enter and exit bathrooms.

“This is unfortunate when we have to reassign sources that are not directly related to teaching and learning,” Larson said.

The students said on Sept. 11 that they want to leave a message to the students causing the damage. “Don’t let things influence you so easily. What is good is not always what is good, ”said Ness.

School leaders said there will be consequences for students when they find out who is vandalizing the restrooms. They ask parents to talk to their children and help control their social media.

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