Kia Boys is the latest challenge to hit TikTok and it entails stealing cars and reckless driving.  Some viral social media challenges can be positive and fun, but this particular challenge leaves the participants facing some major consequences.

This SmartSocial guide will help parents learn:

1. What is the Kia Boys challenge?
2. Why students might want to participate
3. The potential dangers and consequences of this challenge
4. Tips to talk with students who want to participate in dangerous social media challenges

Parent & educator video lesson

(This parent and educator video is best to be shown to adults)

What is the Kia Boys Social Media Challenge?

• The “Kia Boys” (Kia Boyz) TikTok challenge shows participants stealing older model Kia and Hyundai vehicles
• Challenge participants video record themselves breaking into the car, hotwiring it, and then joy-riding around town
• Participants then post their videos on TikTok or other social media platforms with the hashtag #kiaboys
• The early model cars that still use a mechanical key in the ignition are being hotwired using a USB cord and videos demonstrating this process are also available on Tiktok
• The Los Angeles police department reports that the challenge has caused an 85% increase of Hyundais and Kias being stolen (Source: CNBC)

Kia Boys challenge in the news

The thieves post videos online of stealing and driving the cars, using the hashtag “Kia Boys” — which has more than 33 million views on TikTok. - CNBC

Six teenagers were cruising down Buffalo’s Route 33 in a stolen car when it crashed, propelling the five passengers through the sunroof. The results were disastrous: Three died instantly. A fourth died later. A fifth is still hospitalized. The 16-year-old driver faces a misdemeanor charge of unauthorized use of a vehicle and a felony count of criminal possession of a weapon. - The Washington Post

Why do students want to participate?

• It can be thrilling to do something dangerous or daring, especially to get social media likes or shares
• Some students see trends on TikTok and want to recreate them to feel included both in person and online
• Participating in challenges like this can offer a sense of community and connection to others who are also doing the same thing

Why should parents & educators care?

• Car theft is illegal and law enforcement officers can prosecute thieves
• Many of the videos show Kia vehicles being driven recklessly and sometimes resulting in injuries or death of the participants or innocent bystanders

What can parents & educators do?

• Talk to your students about why they might want to participate in this trend, the potential consequences and dangers, and strongly discourage them from doing anything illegal or dangerous
• Help them find a safer, yet still fun challenge to participate in on TikTok
• To learn more about why students are participating in social media challenges read our resource, Social Media Challenges: What Students, Parents, & Educators Need to Know

Conclusion

Social media challenges are becoming commonplace, but some of these TikTok challenges can leave the participants facing considerable consequences.  The Kia Boys challenge is both illegal and dangerous. Parents should talk with their students about the ramifications of participating and the importance of safe driving.

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