While many TikTok trends are lighthearted and entertaining, this particular one is quite concerning.
A new social media phenomenon is gaining traction in schools across the United States, prompting Bristol Connecticut Police Department to issue a warning to parents.
They stated: “Our Department is aware of a nationwide social media trend of people claiming to be urinating in public places. We are currently investigating similar complaints in our City. If anyone can identify these individuals, please contact our agency.”
Later, they updated: “UPDATE: We have made contact with the individuals who we were seeking to identify.”
However, this is just the beginning of the issue at hand.
TikTok challenges are becoming more outlandish, with this current trend being called the ‘#PeeChallenge’. Students across America are recording themselves urinating on school property and posting these videos online.
This viral challenge involves students, mainly those in middle and high school, urinating in school restrooms or even more conspicuous locations, filming the act, and sharing it on TikTok or similar platforms.
It’s predictable that schools are not pleased.
Allysa Diehl, the principal of a middle school in Lincoln, Nebraska, remarked: “Not only is this unsafe and unsanitary, but it creates unnecessary work for our staff as they work to maintain clean school spaces.”
Lincoln Public Schools officials have cautioned that if this trend persists, they might be forced to temporarily close restrooms, supervise bathroom usage more rigorously, or limit access during specific times.
“No one’s being denied bathroom use,” the school clarified.
The issue is not confined to Nebraska; schools in Tennessee and Pennsylvania are also taking action.
In Washington County, Tennessee, school authorities have informed families that they will be imposing ‘serious disciplinary consequences’ on anyone found participating.
College campuses are affected too. At Syracuse University, an account allegedly named ‘Syracuse P***ers’ has emerged, featuring videos of individuals appearing to urinate around campus landmarks.
Some students are beginning to question the legitimacy of these videos, including the college newspaper of New York’s Syracuse University, The News House.
“If it is real pee, they are very hydrated as it’s a shockingly clear stream,” commented freshman Lucy Leef.
This trend is one I hope doesn’t gain more traction, although if it turns out to be just kids spraying water on a wall instead of actually urinating, it might be slightly more acceptable.