Schools Across the Nation Witness Growing Concerning Pattern, Alert Issued to Parents
In a worrying development, a new TikTok trend known as the 'pissers' challenge has been gaining traction, particularly in schools and colleges across the United States and Europe. The trend involves middle and high school students recording themselves urinating in public and uploading the footage to social media platforms like TikTok. The State University of New York (SUNY) system has not been immune to this trend, with students posting themselves seemingly urinating with the hashtag '#SUNYpissers'. The Bristol Connecticut Police Department has issued a public statement on Facebook, asking for help in identifying people allegedly peeing across the city. Similarly, officials from Lincoln Public Schools in Nebraska and schools in Pennsylvania have reported several instances of this behavior in boys' bathrooms. Washington County School leaders have warned families that anyone caught participating in this trend will face serious disciplinary consequences. Principal Allysa Diehl of Schoo Middle School in Lincoln, Nebraska, has warned parents about the trend and the potential for changes in school bathroom protocols. The LPS has urged parents to discuss with their children the importance of respecting public, shared spaces. This trend has also reached college campuses, with TikTok accounts like 'Syracuse Pissers' sharing such content. The Syracuse University's college newspaper, The News House, has reported on the trend's impact on campus life. Some videos on these accounts appear to be spoofs of the trend, with posters likely using water to pretend they are truly peeing. However, for those not joking and truly relieving themselves on campus, they could find themselves in trouble, as it is unlawful in every state. The 'pissers' trend has even extended to Germany, with school authorities in Berlin and North Rhine-Westphalia reporting the trend of students publicly urinating due to TikTok challenges. Measures taken include increased supervision, awareness campaigns on hygiene, and disciplinary actions against participating students. A public relations professor at the SI Newhouse School of Public Communications explained that what gets attention online is often what breaks social norms. Despite the controversy, the trend continues to spread, highlighting the need for continued education and awareness about respecting public spaces and the potential consequences of such actions. In response to the trend, many districts have upped their staff supervision in school bathrooms. Lucy Leef, a freshman, expressed skepticism about the authenticity of the videos, stating, 'If it is real pee, they are very hydrated as it's a shockingly clear stream.' As the 'pissers' trend continues to evolve, it serves as a reminder for parents, educators, and students alike to maintain a dialogue about appropriate behaviour and the potential consequences of breaking the law and social norms.
