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
NDP motion regarding Palestinian statehood passes after major Liberal alterations
A motion from the federal New Democrats initially calling on Canada to recognize the 'State of Palestine' passed amid widespread acrimony on Monday, after the Liberals drastically altered its wording to see the government simply work towards that aim as part of a two-state solution.
'He didn't want to die': Family of Calgary man killed in standoff speaks out
Family of a Calgary man killed after a 30-hour standoff with police last week are speaking out, sharing details of the tense and heart-wrenching experience.
Toronto family doctor who called patient's body 'perfect' suspended for 3 months: tribunal
A family doctor in Toronto has been suspended for three months after a disciplinary tribunal found that he failed to follow proper protocols while examining a patient's breasts and made inappropriate comments about her body.
Ohio mom who left toddler alone 10 days when she went on vacation pleads guilty to aggravated murder
An Ohio mother whose 16-month-old daughter died after being left home alone in a playpen for 10 days last summer while she went on vacation was sentenced Monday to life in prison with no chance of parole.
Retired teacher pleads guilty to paying for sex with 15-year-old in Collingwood, Ont.
In a Barrie courtroom on Monday, a retired high school teacher from the Niagara Region pleaded guilty to sexual touching and obtaining sexual services from a 15-year-old boy in Collingwood in 2021.
Hertz CEO out following electric car 'horror show'
The company, which announced in January it was selling 20,000 of the electric vehicles in its fleet, or about a third of the EVs it owned, is now replacing the CEO who helped build up that fleet, giving it the company’s fifth boss in just four years.
5 charged in Calgary kidnappings that targeted women
Calgary police have charged five men in a pair of kidnappings last year that targeted innocent victims.
Demand soars for solar eclipse glasses in Canada. Are they worth buying?
The demand for total solar eclipse glasses used to safely view the rare celestial event has been ramping up as sellers, along with astronomy and eye-care experts in Canada, warn that viewing the eclipse with the naked eye is dangerous.
Canadian commander of volunteer fighter group dies in Ukraine
A Canadian-born commander of the so-called Norman Brigade, a volunteer fighting group in Ukraine, has died.