
Any ’80s-born parent will tell you that they got up to their fair share of harmless pranks. From egging houses on mischief night to playing knock-knock, zoom-zoom, we’ve all dabbled in a bit of debauchery. The issue now is today’s generation is constantly trying to take it to the next level, and lately police are warning that the level one viral trend has been taking could result in some horrific consequences.
Currently on social media, kids are being encouraged to use their summer breaks to try out the “door-kick” challenge, which is actually a revived older trend, in which kids are running up to stranger’s doors and physically kicking them in before scurrying off. Aside from causing damage to the home, officials worry that armed homeowners could instinctively assume their homes are being broken into and could retaliate with excessive force.
As there are 28 states that are “stand your ground” states that protect homeowners defending their homes with any force necessary, including firearms, there’s reason enough to worry.
The Byesville Police Department in Byesville, Ohio, issued a statement on Facebook that alerted the public that a string of these complaints have been coming in, and it is particularly scary for kids who may unknowingly live in a “stand your ground” state.
“To those who think this challenge is amusing, please stop,” begged the police department. “It’s only a matter of time before you face charges or, worse, get injured by a homeowner trying to defend themselves. Furthermore, you might want to consider turning yourself in. As more evidence comes in regarding the suspects, it’s only a matter of time before arrests are made, and those involved will face the full consequences of the law. This is no joke; you are intruding on someone’s home, and it could end badly for you.”
There are also nuanced laws to consider as well. Fox News reported that in states like Ohio, only a person’s leg needs to enter a home to invoke a burglary and/or trespassing charge.
Additionally, teens also are doing an “UrbanEx” challenge in which they explore closed or even condemned buildings that are often historical. These buildings typically have some sort of structure damage that could result in injury or worse for explorative kids.
Parents need to calmly and firmly warn their kids of these choices so everyone can avoid unnecessary heartache and frustration.