Another dangerous social media trend is afoot. The “Slap A Teacher” TikTok challenge, which encourages teens to record themselves assaulting educators, is sweeping the nation as it gains popularity with young people on social media.
But now the trend has turned dangerous. Just this week a student viciously assaulted a wheelchair-bound teacher in Louisiana. More via the Blaze:
With apparently no provocation, the student begins to beat the teacher down with her fists.
“She was just talking to the student about a grade, and the child was just explaining their side, and then all of a sudden she was attacked,” said St. Tammany Parish School District Superintendent Peter Jabbia to WLL-TV.
You can watch the disturbing video below:
Covington Police Department arrested 18-year-old Larrianna Jackson on a felony charge of battery on a school teacher.
Her mugshot is concerning. It looks like the young woman is holding in a big laugh. Does she think hitting a teacher and being arrested for it is funny?
What’s funny about ruining your own life at such a young age?
It has yet to be confirmed if this was a “slap a teacher” attempt.
However, the fact that someone was already recording the incident and it went viral suggests that the dangerous trend likely inspired this young woman.
“Slap A Teacher Challenge” Echos Knockout Game
The latest violent social media trend reminds me of the infamous “knockout game.” Delinquent teens attacking people with violence is a tale as old as time.
However, the mainstream media continues to trivialize such attacks by teens.
As Chris Ferguson, a psychologist who specializes in youth and violence, told the Riverfront Times, “For some reason everything involving teens gets called a game, no matter how little play behavior has to do with the motives.”
But we should call the Slap A Teacher Challenge what it is: felony assault.
I know teens aren’t able to fully comprehend their actions, but this isn’t OK. It is important young people understand the consequences.
Teachers aren’t having it. With some warning their students they’ll strike back.
Other TikTok challenges:
Besides the Slap A Teacher Challenge, the other big challenge this school year has been the “Devious Lick” challenge where students attempt to steal school property.
Clearly less harmful than assaulting a teacher, but it still encourages students to recklessly destroy school property:
Hit a lick at school ?? #DEVIOUSLICK pic.twitter.com/QH2ll5RDuD
— Destiny (@DestinyBexk) October 7, 2021
This is, my friends, the dumbest game ever….I just want to wash my hands.
Boo to you #deviouslicks pic.twitter.com/eclkKSzhWg
— A D Elliott? (@A_D_Elliott) October 4, 2021
My former high school really sent out a letter about #deviouslicks lmfaoooooo pic.twitter.com/eKXhkjQ8KR
— HillValleyVideoStore (@HvVideoStore) October 3, 2021
‘#Deviouslicks‘ suspected in trashing of washrooms at #Goderich park: OPP https://t.co/tDymOWazdK
— Fort (@fortpapalia) October 8, 2021
But don’t worry, not all TikTok challenges are violent. Some are fun and innocent. Like the “Tell me without telling me” challenge:
@spencer2thewest##tellme ##tellmechallenge ##tellmeyoureshortchallenge ##tellmeyoureshort ##disability ##disabilitytiktok♬ original sound – Tik Toker
Or the fun “Blanket Challenge” where people hide from their dogs.
@larry_the_foul_child##dogprank ##trickingmydog ##blanketchallenge ##dogblanketchallenge ##blanketprank ##hideandseek ##dogsoftiktok ##disappearchallenge ##magic ##tiktokdogs♬ original sound – Larry_the_foul_child
TikTok, like any other social media platform, is what you make it.
Sure there are people acting up, but most of TikTok is a fun network of people sharing jokes, memes, and common interests. Personally, I use it to follow sports, fun recipes, and my silly cousins.
Should TikTok be banned? Are Teens worse now or is it just that we see more of their bad behavior?
Share your thoughts on the Slap a Teacher Challenge the comments below.