TikTok challenges causing problems in Timmins, Ont., police say
Monthly 'challenges' being posted on TikTok are causing problems in Timmins, Ont., police said Tuesday.
The challenges border on criminality, police said, and could lead to criminal charges.
The September challenge was to steal from and damage restrooms at schools, causing problems in some Canadian cities. TikTok has said it has banned the challenges, but they quickly reappear.
The October challenge is to slap a school staff member on the behind, while November's calls for people to "kiss your friends' girlfriend at school."
"The Timmins Police Service finds it necessary to issue a public advisory in regards to intentional acts of damage, theft, or assault linked to any partial or full participation in a social media inspired challenge targeting intermediate and high school students," police said in a news release Tuesday.
"It would appear that, depending on the month, young persons are enticed or encouraged to perform some sort of action against private property, school property, or another unwitting person in order to acquire temporary and fleeting social media attention."
Police spokesperson Marc Depatie told Lydia Chubak of CTV News the consequences of such behaviour could be criminal
“Regardless of the age, even if you’re a young offender, you will have a criminal record and this can inhibit your travel plans, it can limit your employment opportunities," Depatie said.
"It sullied your reputation. There’s any number of reasons why persons should not be participating in this type of illicit challenge.”
Parents and guardians are being encouraged to talk with their school-aged children about the dangers of participating, including the problems criminal charges could cause long-term.
"In most cases, the suggested activity is criminal in nature, and could result in a Young Offender Criminal Record which has the potential to limit employment opportunities, hinder travel, and most certainly sully an individual's reputation," police said.
The recent challenges could lead to charges of vandalism, assault or even sexual assault, police said, particularly because students have to upload a video of them committing the act to TikTok.
"Any participation in such activities can trigger a police investigation by the Timmins Police Service," the release said.
"Should the evidence support the prospect of conviction in criminal court, the applicable charges will be laid."
Anyone with information about persons tampering or damaging school property or taking part in a challenge that results in any form of assault is encouraged to report the matter to police at 705-264-1201, or call Crime Stoppers at its tip line, 1-800-222-8477, or online.
- With notes from Lydia Chubak
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.