Kids Hitting Teachers – Will Shreveport, Bossier Schools See the Newest TikTok Challenge?

The latest TikTok app challenge is one that has officials at a number of school districts - and more specifically, teachers - on high alert.

Sadly, the name says it all. It's called the "Slap a Teacher Challenge." And this bit of perverse derring-do encourages students to slap a teacher or staff member and run before being caught committing the assault, all while being recorded for TikTok posting.

And in a digital world where one "challenge" after another is taken as a dare, teachers and staff members all over, including Caddo and Bossier Parishes, are definitely more on guard than ever before.

Where did it start?

One incident at a South Carolina school resulted in a district wide email being sent to parents and guardians. WBTV reports that the correspondence said:

"Unfortunately, the challenge that has been put out for this month is to slap or hit a staff member from behind. Sadly, we actually had an elementary student assault a teacher by striking her in the back of the head. Assault on a staff member is an expellable offense which means the student is removed from the school for the rest of the year,” the letter to parents read."

How widespread is it?

And - as insane as it may seem - the same memo to parents actually recommends they tell their kids not to hit teachers! More from WBTV:

“We share this information with parents so you can educate your kids on the issue and monitor their social media habits. We also hope parents will speak with their kids about the serious repercussions of making poor decisions and peer pressure.”

Meanwhile, after a Connecticut teacher was attacked, one school principal seemed to put the blame on the app for not policing its content:

"TikTok fails to control the spread of dangerous content. In CT, vandalism closed schools and the new 'Slap a Teacher' challenge may put educators at risk. I am urging TikTok to come to CT to meet with educators and parents and commit to reforms that stop this reckless content."

But perhaps the bet response to the threat came from a principal in California:

“Good morning students. I hear today is the first day of the "Slap a Teacher Challenge." Well that’s exciting! I just wanted to reach out to those of you who plan to participate, and I wanted to wish you a great last day of school. Because after you slap a teacher, you’ll most likely be expelled. Well anyways, get out there and learn something you little rascals. Have a great day!”