The “Door Kick Challenge” is the latest viral social media trend causing concern among parents, educators, and law enforcement. Popularized on platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram teens across the country are participating in this challenge and facing serious consequences. Parents need to understand why this challenge is gaining traction, how it can impact their families, and most importantly, what they can do to guide their children toward safer, smarter choices online.

Parent training video

What is the Door Kick Challenge?

• The Door Kick Challenge involves someone recording another person going up to the front door of a stranger's home, kicking it very hard and then running away and posting it on TikTok or another social media platform
• An alternative version of this challenge is the "Heartbeat Challenge" which involves participants playing the song “Die Young” by Kesha and at one particular part of the song, kicking a closed-door two times as hard as they can
• Some users say this challenge is similar to the games, “knock and run” or “ding dong ditch,” that they played as children
• This viral TikTok door kicking challenge seems to have become popular in college dorm hallways around the world during the fall 2021 semester and has now spread to neighborhoods across the country
• The goal of participating is to get social media views and have a good laugh from scaring someone behind the closed door

Door Kick Challenge in the news

They say "it's dangerous, and in addition to significant property damage, could also lead to injuries to the person committing the crime.

Police also warn that it is a serious misdemeanor crime that could lead to jail time and/or fines." - ABC News 7, New York

"The victim said: ‘[I was] at home recovering from open-heart surgery and this young lady kicked our door in, along with another neighbor.’ She added multiple video cameras caught the woman leaving the homes in a white car with other people inside." - WAFB9

Why should parents care?

• Students are purposely trying to scare other people, including their friends and strangers 
• We don’t know how people behind those closed doors will react in their state of fear after the front door kicking and they may react with violence or calling the police
• Door kicking can create damage to personal or private property
• Many police departments across the country are warning residents of this challenge and participants can face criminal charges
• Many houses now have advanced video images that can help police or residents investigate and track down the kickers, even if they flee the scene

What can parents do?

• Ask your student if they have seen the challenge on social media or have heard friends or classmates talking about it at school
• Remind students that “going viral” on social media does not equal authentic or meaningful friendships
• Explain to students that this challenge can be charged as a misdemeanor crime. The hard kicks can damage other people’s property and by posting videos online showing their participation, they are providing evidence for school or legal punishment
• With your students, brainstorm ways to effectively turn down peer pressure to participate if their friends are taking part in this challenge

More social media challenge resources for parents, students, & educators

• Social Media Challenges: What Students, Parents, & Educators Need to Know
• TikTok Guide for Parents
• Negative Effects of Social Media & Screen Time

Conclusion

In today’s fast-paced digital world, trends like the Door Kick Challenge can quickly escalate from seemingly harmless pranks to dangerous situations with real consequences. As parents, staying informed and having open conversations with your children about these viral challenges is crucial. Remind them that chasing social media fame is not worth damaging property, frightening others, or facing legal trouble. By encouraging empathy, responsibility, and smart decision-making, you can help your kids navigate peer pressure and social media trends safely. Together, we can guide them to use the internet in positive, meaningful ways that build their character and future.