Southern Alamance Middle School implements unusual measure as students’ TikTok video sessions disrupt classroom routine

In an attempt to curb the disruptive trend of TikTok video creation during school hours, Southern Alamance Middle School in North Carolina has taken a drastic step—removing mirrors from the restrooms. The Alamance-Burlington School System disclosed that students were frequently leaving classes to film TikTok videos, with some pupils reportedly visiting the bathroom up to nine times daily.

Les Atkins, the public relations officer for the school system, explained that restroom mirrors had become a focal point in numerous TikTok videos, leading to the decision to eliminate them as an unusual but effective deterrent. The school acknowledged the peculiar nature of the punishment but emphasized its positive impact in reducing bathroom visits and holding students accountable.

As part of broader measures, the school district introduced a digital pass system, allowing students to check in and out of class digitally. This initiative aims to monitor and regulate the time students spend away from classrooms during the school day. The school administration views these adjustments as steps toward achieving the district’s goal of educating students about ‘digital citizenship.’

Atkins emphasized the need for students to learn responsible phone use, stating, “We’re trying to educate students: we all have cell phones now. We have to learn to use them. We have to learn when to put them down.”

This development comes amid growing concerns about the addictive nature of TikTok, with experts warning about Gen Z’s increasing reliance on the platform. The app has faced controversies, including being banned in Montana over privacy concerns, and ongoing lawsuits claiming that TikTok exposes children to inappropriate and harmful content.