First-known TikTok mob attack led by middle schoolers tormenting teachers
Eighth graders in a wealthy Philadelphia suburb conducted extreme online harassment against teachers, creating fake TikTok accounts with offensive content. School responded with brief suspensions and cyberbullying awareness. Teachers felt slandered.
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A group of eighth graders in a wealthy Philadelphia suburb conducted an extreme online harassment campaign against teachers, creating fake TikTok accounts impersonating about 20 teachers with offensive content. The students posted pedophilia innuendo, racist memes, and homophobic content, as well as fabricated sexual hookups among teachers. The school's principal commended students who reported the behavior and urged parents to discuss responsible social media use. The superintendent described the impact on teachers as profound, with some feeling slandered and character assassinated. Legal options were limited due to students' free speech rights, leading to brief suspensions and an assembly on cyberbullying awareness. The National Education Association expressed concern over the scale of harassment faced by teachers and its potential to drive educators away from the profession. The school district expressed commitment to supporting teachers considering legal action. The incident highlights the challenges schools face in addressing online harassment and the need for collaborative efforts to combat such behavior.
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1 commentsYet another reason for caring & competent people to cross off "teacher" as a possible career option. And for social media bans for under-16's to be passed. And doubtless further fallout.
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