Crime & Safety
New England TikTok Warning: Growing Trend Fakes Kidnappings to Cut Class
BOSTON, MA – A growing TikTok trend involving students pretending to be kidnapped to cut class is raising concerns for families across New England, with law enforcement warning that the dangerous scho
By Evan Cross · 2026-10-27T10:12:38.277Z
BOSTON, MA – A growing TikTok trend involving students pretending to be kidnapped to cut class is raising concerns for families across New England, with law enforcement warning that the dangerous school skipping prank could result in serious criminal charges, including felonies under certain circumstances.
According to the Columbia County Sheriff 's Office in Florida, authorities have observed an increase in social media content encouraging students to fake kidnappings to avoid attending school. The sheriff's office issued a public warning after seeing the trend develop locally over several weeks.
Why New England Families Should Pay Attention
Although the reported activity originated in Florida, the warning highlights potential dangers for students and school communities across Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Vermont and Maine.
From Boston and Worcester to Hartford, Providence, Manchester, Burlington and Portland, parents are encouraged to discuss the consequences of participating in viral challenges involving fabricated emergencies.
Every reported kidnapping must be treated as a potentially life threatening situation. Officers responding to false reports may be diverted from genuine emergencies, placing students, first responders and the public at risk.
Could Cutting Class Lead to Felony Charges?
Florida authorities specifically cited Florida Statute 837.05, which makes knowingly providing false information about an alleged crime to law enforcement a criminal offense.
A false report is generally a first degree misdemeanor under Florida law. Certain circumstances involving serious offenses, including kidnapping, can elevate the charge to a third degree felony.
New England states have their own laws governing false police reports and misuse of emergency services. Criminal penalties vary by jurisdiction and circumstances.
What Parents Should Know
Parents are encouraged to speak with their children about the dangers of social media challenges and the consequences of fabricating emergencies to avoid school.
Students experiencing bullying, anxiety or attendance difficulties should seek assistance from parents, teachers or school counselors.
While the sheriff's office reported growing concerns in Florida, similar incidents have not been independently confirmed across New England.
Anyone who believes a kidnapping is occurring should immediately contact 911.