Mesa Police warn of latest TikTok trend known as ‘slap a teacher’ challenge
Oct 5, 2021, 4:45 AM
PHOENIX – An emerging challenge on TikTok encouraging students to slap their teacher has become a cause for concern for local law enforcement.
The Mesa Police Department Saturday posted a blog indicating they will not tolerate the monthly school challenges on TikTok.
According to a screenshot of TikTok trends for every month of the year, October is supposed to be “Slap A Teacher” month.
The trend basically asks a student to walk up to their teacher or school staff member and slap them before running away.
Mesa police in the blog said no matter how innocent the idea may be, the police department considers it a crime of aggravated assault – which is a felony.
That’s why the department has worked hard to get the message out to educate students, parents and teachers about the trend.
“Just be aware of those things and talk to the kids about what’s going on out there and help them to understand that although these things come across social media that doesn’t necessarily make it a good idea,” Mesa Police Officer Steve Berry told KTAR News 92.3 FM on Monday.
No incidents regarding the challenge have been reported to Mesa Police, to date.
Mesa schools are currently on fall break.
Berry said they are using the time students have off to create further awareness about the challenges seen on social media.
