‘Slap a teacher’ TikTok challenge could lead to student explusion, officials say

LANCASTER COUNTY, S.C. — A Lancaster County elementary student could be expelled for participating in a trend that started on social media.

According to officials, the student hit a teacher in the back of her head as part of a new TikTok challenge called “The Slap a Teacher Challenge.” It dares kids to hit a teacher and post the video online.

The Lancaster County School District said it is taking the case very seriously and reported it to the Department of Juvenile Justice.

The child’s grade level and school have not yet been released but according to Director of Safety and Transportation Bryan Vaughn, the student is facing expulsion from school.

Vaughn told Channel 9′s Tina Terry that the behavior is not just a prank, but is criminal and could result in charges.

“We’ve got people tearing up urinals and bathroom sinks, now we’re hitting teachers in the back of the head -- where does this gravitate toward?” Vaughn asked.

The school district posted on Facebook, warning parents about the challenge. Channel 9 learned other districts in the area are also on high alert. Lancaster County is one of many local school districts that have seen vandalism and theft recently.

A Charlotte-Mecklenburg middle school sent a message to parents recently asking them to get involved.

“Because of these actions I have had ... an administrative team and a school resource officer spending all of their time on disciplinary actions,” the audio message said. “What is happening right now is completely inappropriate.”

Officials are asking parents to talk to their children about these social media challenges and warn about the serious consequences they could face.

“It could leave a child arrested, a student not being able to graduate on time,” Vaughn said.

Officials are still investigating whether this particular incident was posted to TikTok.

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