MESA, AZ – The Mesa Police Department was recently made aware of upcoming monthly TikTok School Challenges. One of the challenges stood out to us more than the others. The challenge to “Smack a staff member on the backside” was very concerning. No matter how innocent you may think a smack on the backside of a school staff member is…it is not! It is the crime of Aggravated Assault, a felony. Not only can you be seriously disciplined by your school, but you can be charged and arrested for a serious criminal offense. If you want to check it out for yourself the law is called Aggravated Assault, ARS 13-1204.A8(d). It can be found athttps://www.azleg.gov/ars/13/01204.htm.
Simply put, if someone knowingly assaults a teacher or other person employed by any school while they are performing their official duties, they just committed an aggravated assault. And yes, a smack on the back side would be considered an aggravated assault that would be investigated by the Mesa Police Department. So, if you want some common-sense advice from the Mesa Police Department that advice is “Don’t do it.”
If you are a student, please responsibly use the social media platforms you have access to and understand that there are consequences, sometimes criminal consequences, to posting inappropriate and threatening posts. Remember it is more likely for you to be criminally charged for following through with a social media prank than the person who posted it.
If you are a parent, please take the time to talk to your children and discuss with them the importance of responsible social media use and that there are consequences to following through with inappropriate and/or illegal social media posts or suggestions.