One local school district is trying to get ahead of a disturbing new TikTok trend.
The Steel Valley School District sent a letter to families Friday warning them about the "Smack A Staff Member" TikTok challenge.
The challenge encourages students to post a video of themselves hitting a school staff member.
"Let me be clear - no such behavior will be tolerated at Steel Valley," Superintendent Edward Wehrer wrote in the letter. "I am appalled that social media attempts to influence our children in such ways."
Wehrer asked families to speak with their kids about the challenge and warn them they will face severe discipline and even charges if they attempt it.
"We must address this TikTok challenge as a clear choice between right and wrong, and I hope you will reinforce this message with your children" Wehrer wrote.
Last month, police investigated vandalism in the Hempfield Area School District connected to a TikTok challenge that encouraged students to destroy parts of their school bathrooms.
