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
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.
WATCH Video shows dramatic police takedown of carjacking suspects chased through parking lot north of Toronto
Police have released video footage of a dramatic takedown of a group of teens wanted in connection with an attempted carjacking in Markham earlier this month.
After hearing thousands of last words, this hospital chaplain has advice for the living
Hospital chaplain J.S. Park opens up about death, grief and hearing thousands of last words, and shares his advice for the living.
DEVELOPING G7 warns of new sanctions against Iran as world reacts to apparent Israeli drone attack
Group of Seven foreign ministers warned of new sanctions against Iran on Friday for its drone and missile attack on Israel, and urged both sides to avoid an escalation of the conflict.
WHO likely to issue wider alert on contaminated cough syrup
The World Health Organization is likely to issue a wider warning about contaminated Johnson and Johnson-made children's cough syrup found in Nigeria last week, it said in an email.
Tesla recalling nearly 4,000 Cybertrucks because accelerator pedal can get stuck
Tesla is recalling 3,878 of its 2024 Cybertrucks after it discovered that the accelerator pedal can become stuck, potentially causing the vehicle to accelerate unintentionally and increase the risk of a crash.
'It was all my savings': Ontario woman loses $15K to fake Walmart job scam
A woman who recently moved to Canada from India was searching for a job when she got caught in an online job scam and lost $15,000.
A couple lost their wedding rings during the ceremony. Two strangers found a fitting solution
Every good wedding has to have one teensy, tiny crisis.
Families to receive Canada Child Benefit payment on Friday
More money will land in the pockets of some Canadian families on Friday for the latest Canada Child Benefit installment.