"The "Milk Crate Challenge": Origins, Objectives, and Consequences"

As of my latest updates, one notable social media challenge that has gained attention is the "Devious Licks Challenge," which primarily gained traction on TikTok. ### Origin and Nature of the Challenge The "Devious Licks Challenge" reportedly began in September 2021. The term "lick" is slang for a successful theft or illicit gain. The challenge encourages students to share videos of themselves stealing, vandalizing, or otherwise damaging school property. The trend quickly spread as participants posted videos showcasing stolen items or destruction with the hashtag #deviouslicks. ### Encouraged Activities This challenge encourages: - Stealing items from schools, such as soap dispensers, fire extinguishers, and even more significant items like sinks or projectors. - Vandalizing school property, including graffiti or deliberate damage to facilities. - Encouraging a culture of competition and one-upmanship, where the more audacious the theft or damage, the more “acclaimed” the post. ### Potential Consequences Participating in the "Devious Licks Challenge" can have several severe consequences: 1. **Legal Repercussions**: Theft and vandalism are crimes, and those involved can face criminal charges, resulting in penalties that might include fines, community service, or even juvenile detention. 2. **Academic Consequences**: Students may face school disciplinary actions such as suspension or expulsion. 3. **Reputation Damage**: Posting such activities online can harm one’s future prospects, including college admissions and job opportunities, as digital footprints are challenging to erase. 4. **Financial Costs**: The costs of repairs and replacements often fall on the school districts, potentially diverting funds from educational resources. 5. **Safety Concerns**: Some acts of theft or vandalism can lead to unsafe conditions, risking the wellbeing of students and staff. ### Recommendation I strongly advise against participating in the "Devious Licks Challenge" for several reasons: - **Ethically Wrong**: Encouraging and participating in vandalism and theft goes against moral and ethical principles. - **Negative Impact**: Damage to school property impacts everyone's learning environment and can create unnecessary financial burdens. - **Long-Term Consequences**: The potential long-term consequences far outweigh any momentary peer approval or social media fame. - **Better Alternatives**: Encouraging teens to engage in positive and uplifting activities can build a much better online community and foster goodwill. Encourage teens to think critically about the challenges they see online and to consider not just the immediate social rewards but the broader implications of their actions. Positive engagement, thoughtful content creation, and respect for others' property and wellbeing are the hallmarks of responsible and mature social media use.