October 6, 2021
Dear Laurel Highlands School District Families,
Over the past month, a social media trend known as “devious licks” has affected schools across the country, including here in Laurel Highlands. The trend, found mostly on TikTok, has encouraged students to steal or damage items on school property. We experienced a few incidents of vandalism in school restrooms.
For October, the trend appears to shift to a “challenge” of “striking a staff member.” Let me be very clear — this behavior would be a serious violation of our student conduct policy. In fact, it may be considered assault.
We want everyone to know that damaging or stealing school property or inappropriately touching staff members and/or fellow students may lead to disciplinary action. In some situations, there could be legal consequences.
We ask that you speak with your children about the serious nature of this type of behavior, as well as how these types of actions reflect individual and family values. We also encourage you to monitor your children’s social media accounts and discuss the consequences of taking part in risky, dangerous, or illegal social media challenges.
There are apps available to help parents monitor their children’s activity when using their smartphones. Here is a good place to start: https://www.safewise.com/resources/parental-control-filters-buyers-guide/.
We know that social media trends come and go. Thank you for your support as we seek to prevent this sort of unacceptable behavior in our schools.
Sincerely,
Dr. Jesse T. Wallace, III
Superintendent