Pasadena Unified Superintendent Says PUSD Campuses Have Suffered Damage From TikTok’s ‘Devious Licks’

The Pasadena Unified School District campuses have suffered damages due to “devious licks,” a Tiktok trend in which students are encouraged to vandalize or steal items from school and then post it on social media.

Superintendent Brian McDonald disclosed this in a letter addressed to the PUSD community where he advised parents to remind students about the serious consequences for potential illegal activities such as stealing and damaging school property.

“Already, items have been destroyed, stolen, or manipulated on some of our campuses.”

“We are asking parents to partner with us to help prevent this needless damage to school property and to inform youth of the serious consequences that can come with something they might perceive as a ‘harmless prank,’” McDonald said.

McDonald, who described devious licks as a “disturbing trend,” also encouraged parents to monitor students’ social media activity before it is too late.

According to McDonald, students found stealing may face criminal charges.

“Stolen property valued at $950 or more is a felony,” McDonald also pointed out.

Students found stealing, in possession of stolen items or damaging school property may also face appropriate disciplinary action as outlined in PUSD’s Student Handbook.

Their privileges for the remainder of the school year, including participation in athletics or other extracurricular activities, such as dances, and graduation may be removed.

The PUSD may also seek reimbursement for the stolen and damaged items from the student or their family, McDonald said.

According to McDonald, school sites are now increasing surveillance of campuses and are currently reviewing camera footage to identify students involved in potential illegal activities related to the TikTok challenge.

After the trend disrupted campuses across the United States, with reports of stolen towel dispensers, printers, projectors and even urinals, TikTok, hugely popular among children and teens, has shut down the trend and removed related videos to discourage potential illegal activities related to the challenge.