5 Shocking Consequences Of The 'Devious Licks' TikTok Trend That Still Impact Schools Today

The "Devious Licks" trend exploded onto the social media scene in September 2021, transforming ordinary school bathrooms and classrooms into targets of viral vandalism. This destructive phenomenon, which quickly became one of the most infamous TikTok challenges in history, encouraged middle and high school students to steal or damage school property, documenting their "licks"—a slang term for a successful theft—for online clout. As of late 2024, the repercussions of this brief but devastating period are still felt across educational institutions, forcing schools to reassess security, repair costs, and digital citizenship education. The challenge, sometimes referred to as "Diabolical Licks" or "Dastardly Licks," showcased a dark side of viral content creation, costing schools thousands of dollars and leading to serious legal consequences for numerous students. While the trend itself was swiftly banned by TikTok, its legacy serves as a crucial case study in the power and peril of unchecked social media virality.

The Anatomy of a Viral Disaster: How Devious Licks Took Over

The "Devious Licks" challenge began subtly on September 1, 2021, when a TikTok user named jugg4elias posted a video showing off a stolen box of disposable masks from their school. This initial act of petty theft quickly escalated as other students sought to top the previous "lick."

The Escalation of Vandalism and Theft

The trend rapidly shifted from stealing small, humorous items to widespread school vandalism and destruction of critical infrastructure. Students targeted areas with high traffic and easy access to small, removable items. The most common targets for a devious lick included:

• Soap Dispensers: Ripped off walls, destroyed, or stolen, leading to sanitation issues.
• Toilet Paper Holders: Frequently removed or smashed.
• Exit Signs: Stolen from hallways, creating safety hazards.
• Bathroom Mirrors and Sinks: Smashed or cracked, requiring costly repairs.
• Fire Extinguishers: Stolen or discharged, posing a significant safety risk.
• Turf and Equipment: Even outdoor items, such as turf from sports fields, were targeted.

This wave of property damage was fueled entirely by the pursuit of views and likes on the TikTok platform, where success was measured by the audacity of the theft or destruction. The trend became a competitive, race-to-the-bottom for viral fame.

The Real-World Fallout: Legal, Financial, and Educational Costs

While the trend was short-lived—TikTok officially removed the #deviouslick hashtag and all associated content shortly after it peaked—the damage had already been done. The consequences were far-reaching, affecting school budgets, student records, and community trust.

1. Massive Financial Burden on School Districts

The most immediate and tangible impact was the financial cost. School districts across the United States and Canada reported thousands of dollars in damages. In many cases, the money needed for repairs—replacing stolen soap dispensers, fixing plumbing, and installing new fixtures—had to be diverted from other essential areas, such as educational resources or extracurricular activities. This created an unexpected and unbudgeted strain on school finances.

2. Student Arrests and Legal Consequences

For many students, a "devious lick" was not just a prank; it was a criminal act. The trend resulted in the arrests of several students and the issuance of warnings by police departments across the country. Students faced serious legal repercussions, including:

• Charges of petty theft and vandalism.
• Suspension or expulsion from school.
• Permanent marks on their student records, impacting future college applications.
• Mandatory restitution to cover the cost of the damage.

These actions served as a stark reminder that online actions have real-world, legal consequences.

3. The Rise of the 'Angelic Yields' Counter-Trend

In a positive turn, the destructive nature of "Devious Licks" spurred a counter-movement known as "Angelic Yields." This subsequent social media trend encouraged students to do the opposite:

• Replace stolen items.
• Clean up vandalized areas.
• Donate goods to the school or community.
• Perform acts of kindness and service, documenting the positive "yields."

This response demonstrated that the same platforms that facilitate destructive viral content can also be used to promote digital citizenship and community repair.

4. Lasting Impact on School Security and Policy

Even in late 2024, the lessons from "Devious Licks" influence school policy. The event highlighted a vulnerability in school operations and security. Schools have implemented new measures, including:

• Increased surveillance in common areas, including high school bathrooms.
• Stricter policies and immediate consequences for vandalism and theft.
• Enhanced focus on digital citizenship education to teach students about the ethics and legality of online challenges.
• Public warnings and communication with parents regarding dangerous TikTok challenges.

The trend forced educators and administrators to become more proactive in monitoring and responding to emerging viral trends that could threaten school safety and property.

5. A Case Study in Platform Moderation and Responsibility

The "Devious Licks" trend also put a spotlight on the role of social media platforms in moderating harmful content. TikTok's decisive action to remove the hashtag and denounce the trend was crucial in ending the challenge quickly. This incident is now frequently cited in discussions about:

• Content Moderation: The speed and effectiveness of platform response to dangerous viral content.
• Algorithmic Responsibility: How platform algorithms can rapidly amplify harmful challenges.
• Parental Guidance: The need for parents to monitor their children's engagement with potentially harmful TikTok challenges.

The swift removal of the #deviouslick hashtag was a necessary step, but the event continues to be a benchmark for assessing the ongoing battle between viral fame and public safety. The story of "Devious Licks" remains a cautionary tale about the potent and sometimes destructive nature of modern social media trends.

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