Destructive social media challenge hits local schools

A recent challenge made popular on social media has made its way to Holmes and Washington counties.

Known
as “The Most Devious Lick,” the TikTok challenge encourages students in
middle and high school to vandalize their schools, especially in the
bathrooms. 

“It
starts out with something simple, like maybe stealing a pencil and then
as students try to top each other, it becomes more and more
destructive,” said one Chipley High School student.

Holmes
County school officials declined to comment on specific instances in
the district, but stress that parents should talk to their children
about potential consequences of following the trend.

Washington County School Superintendent Joe Taylor says the issue is being taken seriously.

“We
would respond to any such incidents and treat as a disciplinary issue
up to and potentially including law enforcement,” said Taylor.

In
nearby Walton County, School Superintendent Russell Hughes states 14
students out of his 20 schools have been suspended due to stolen and
damaged property.

Hughes
is sending out a warning to students. If they are thinking about
stealing or destroying school property, expect to pay the consequences.

“We talk about family we talk about the culture here,” said Hughes. 

“And
I am saying to those students if you take this challenge, be ready for
the consequences. And I am saying to parents if your child accepts this
student and your hearing this and you do not share with them, or you are
unaware and oblivious to what children are doing on social media. I am
telling you we are going to be strong on this. No exceptions.”

If the damages are serious enough, the charges could be a felony.

“We
canÂ’t have cameras in the bathroom, but we do have cameras all over our
campus, so we have ways of how to find out who is going into the
bathroom when and how long they stay there,” he said. 

“And
the great thing about our students is we have students reporting
others. Not snitching, they are taking care of their environment.”

Reported incidents in Holmes and Washington Counties include those at Chipley High School and Ponce de Leon High School.