Devious Lick TikTok Challenge: 3 Things You Should Know

Save your child and pockets, a ton of headaches by avoiding these Devious Lick Challenge pitfalls

First, if this is your first time hearing about the Devious Lick TikTok Challenge, don’t be too hard on yourself. Keeping up with these Challenges has been the ultimate challenge. 

Devious Lick also referred to as the Diabolical Lick or Dastardly Lick, is the latest TikTok trend. This new craze encourages students to steal or vandalize random items on their school grounds and post a picture or video on TikTok. The trend that started in September, has quickly picked up in popularity and has taken middle schools and high schools across the country by storm. It has also made several major news outlets.

But Why?!

As you can probably already imagine, the motivation for the Devious Lick TikTok challenge is to garner the most likes, shares, and follows. And unlike many of the crazy TikTok Challenges, this one could land students in the principal’s office or worst, jail. Oh, and did I mention cost you a fortune in restitution. In any event, this TikTok craze has been overwhelming schools and administrators across the country and has even plagued the schools here in St. Johns County Florida. If you’re thinking, “What’s the big deal, it’s just a little school-aged fun?!” Let me help you out a bit: 

1. It Promotes Theft & Vandalism

This trend has encouraged students to steal toilet paper dispensers, hand sanitizer dispensers remove sinks from boys’ and girls’ bathrooms, just to name a few. Aside from the fact that students are vandalizing the very schools they attend, they are removing essential items amidst a very serious pandemic. But hey, all in the name of fun right?! Well, think of it this way, we are still in the midst of a serious pandemic that seems to be the gift that keeps on giving. And while we are all just trying to figure out how to make it through these tough times, some serious parenting is in order here.

@chandlerxlollis

repost because tiktok took away the sound? ##licks ##diobolicallick ##fyp ##foryou

♬ original sound – Chandler Lollis

2. It’s wearing down Teachers & Administrators

If you haven’t noticed, there’s a major shortage. No, I’m not talking bleach, hand sanitizer and toilet paper, although with this trend we could see that resurface. This shortage is a teacher shortage. Not only have many teachers opted not to return to the classroom because of the pandemic, many new teachers are looking for work elsewhere, which means the ones who chose to tough it out not only have to teach but try to police your precious children who are taking part in this Devious Lick TikTok Challenge. All in the name of fame and fun. What does that mean for me and you…expenses. Expenses to replace the stolen and damaged goods, to make up for the additional man-hours that the janitors, staff and teaching personnel have to spend cleaning up the mess and babysitting kids old enough to know better. Sounds like tax increases to me. 

@admirebandzz

#fyp #viral #foryou #schoolicks #licks #Mad

♬ original sound – Bandz ?

3. High-Stake Consequences

If you’re among the crowd that thinks this is just another social media trend that’s no big deal, the jokes on you. In hopes of keeping the destruction of the Devious Lick TikTok Challenge at bay, many schools have made it clear they will be quick to set harsh punishment for anyone caught. If you think it serves your child right, think again, parents may also be held accountable. What do punishment and accountability look like? I’m glad you asked, it can be anything from suspension, expulsion, restitution fees, or even jail time. Now, how’s that for a lick? And if that isnt enough, the ultimate lick is stealing a school bus. So add grand theft auto to the list.

So as a parent what should you do?

Talk to your kids, but ease into it. You may get more info that way. Instead of asking, “How was your day?” ask, “Was there anything exciting or concerning that happened today?” Asking the right questions is key and asking often is necessary. If they don’t mention the Devious Lick TikTok Challenge, it’s ok. Just let them know that you heard about it, and were curious if it was happening in their school. Let them know your concern and that it’s unacceptable behavior. Explaining the serious consequences may be enough to keep them from taking part in the trend. 

Remember, every moment is a teachable moment. This is also a great opportunity to remind your child(ren) that following the wrong crowd is never a good idea and can lead to serious or even worse, deadly consequences. 

These conversations are never easy, but is any topic? Focus on the facts. And give them space to share their feelings on the topics. Sometimes the answers are in the things they don’t say.

For now, Devious Lick has made the list of top crazy trends to hit social media, but you can bet there’s another one in the making so get ready.

Got any other advice on how to handle discussing the Devious Lick TikTok Challenge or any other difficult conversation? Drop them in the comments below.

We need all the help we can get. Oh and be sure to check on your friends that have middle schoolers and high schoolers, we are not ok. Have the urge to tell a friend, please share and tag @mommymixup.