MASSILLON-New social media challenges are causing problems for owners and police.

The viral TikTok challenge, known as fencing, had participants rushing into a vinyl fence head down and knocking them down. 

Massillon Police Officer Alexis Slade said on Tuesday that at least in the past month, they have received multiple reports about privacy fences in the 19th Street NW, 25th Street NW, and 29th Street NW areas on the northwest side of the city. Report of destruction.

She posted photos of damaged fences and asked parents to talk about these harmful pranks with their children.

"As the Thanksgiving holiday begins, parents please tell your children why fencing is not a trend," the post read. 

More: Massillon police dog "Logan" joins; is engaged in officer training at Malvern College

This action will cause damage to the several panels that make up the fence. She said that sometimes they are easily bounced back into place, and sometimes they break.

"This is what you see in the movie, they just go through the wall," Slider explained. "They just walked through the fence."

The department has no clues as to who might damage the fence, but Slider suspects that it is at least two older teenagers.

A video taken by a home security camera over the weekend showed that two people were involved in a prank, but the angle of the camera did not show their faces. 

Slade said that anyone found to have breached the fence could face misdemeanor charges of criminal damage.

"The kids think it's cool, but how would they feel if someone damages their things," the official said. "That's why we ask parents to provide counseling for your child. We don't know who this is, so we can't even talk to them or charge them."

The challenge circulating on the social media app TikTok is a growing problem.

As the school year begins, school districts across the country are faced with students completing the hoaxes circulating on social media apps, including encouraging students to destroy school property, steal equipment, and slap teachers. 

Many local school districts have issued warnings to students and their parents, warning them of participating in such social media hoaxes and the possible consequences.

Contact Amy 330-775-1135 amy.knapp@indeonline.com