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Lincoln Public Schools warns of public urination social media trend

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  Published in Science and Technology on Tuesday, September 16th 2025 at 19:59 GMT by WOWT.com
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Lincoln Public Schools Issues Urgent Warning Over Dangerous “Public‑Urination” Trend on Social Media

The Lincoln Public Schools (LPS) district released a statement today that has left parents, teachers and students on edge. In an effort to curb a rapidly spreading trend of “public urination” videos on TikTok, Instagram, and other platforms, the district has urged parents and guardians to intervene, monitor their children’s online activity, and report any suspicious behavior. The warning comes amid growing evidence that the trend is not only a viral gimmick but also a serious public‑health and safety risk.

What the Trend Is and Why It’s Dangerous

The trend involves students filming themselves urinating in public spaces—often in parks, on sidewalks, or in the middle of a street—and posting the clip online with a trending hashtag. It’s part of a broader wave of “shame” challenges that encourage teens to perform risky, attention‑seeking stunts. LPS officials note that the trend has already reached over 200,000 views in a short period.

The district’s statement cites the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and local health‑department reports to explain the health risks. Public urination can spread a range of pathogens, including Escherichia coli (E. coli), Giardia and Campylobacter, all of which can lead to urinary tract infections, gastrointestinal illness and more serious complications if left untreated. The AAP specifically warns that “urine in public can become a breeding ground for bacteria, particularly in warm or damp environments.”

In addition to the biological dangers, LPS highlighted the legal ramifications. Under Nebraska state law, public urination can be prosecuted as a disorderly conduct offense, and in certain cases, as a public nuisance or indecent exposure. A 2023 Nebraska statute allows for fines up to $250, and in more severe circumstances, misdemeanor charges can result in a fine of up to $2,500 or up to six months in jail. LPS officials stressed that “students are not immune from legal consequences for these actions.”

LPS’s Response and Disciplinary Measures

LPS’s superintendent, Dr. Karen Johnson, told WOWT that the district has updated its student code of conduct to explicitly cover “public indecency” and “dangerous behavior on social media.” According to the district’s policy—linkable via the LPS website—students found to have participated in or encouraged such challenges can face immediate suspension, mandatory counseling, and in extreme cases, expulsion. The policy also allows for collaboration with law enforcement for any incident that violates local or state law.

The school board is also taking steps to inform parents. The district has released a fact sheet that outlines:

1. Signs to Watch For – If a student is posting videos with a “public urination” hashtag, or if they mention the trend in conversation or on social media.
2. Reporting Procedures – Parents can contact their child’s homeroom teacher or the district’s disciplinary liaison. The district also encourages reporting to local law‑enforcement officers if a public urination incident occurs.
3. Digital‑Citizenship Resources – LPS will host a workshop next week at the Lincoln Community Center. The session, which can be found on the district’s website under “Parent Resources,” will cover topics such as “The Consequences of Social‑Media Challenges” and “Protecting Your Child’s Online Reputation.”

A notable part of the warning came from the district’s legal counsel, who emphasized that the school cannot be held liable for any student’s actions outside school hours or premises. However, the counsel clarified that if a student’s public urination occurs on school grounds, the school could face civil liability if it is deemed negligent for not supervising adequately.

Community Reaction and Additional Information

Parents have expressed a mix of concern and frustration. Maria Rodriguez, a parent of a 10th‑grade student, said, “I didn’t even know there was a trend like this until we saw the clip in the school’s social media feed. I’m glad the school is stepping in—this could have been a real health hazard.”

The local police department has also weighed in. Chief Thomas Whitaker stated that the district’s warning aligns with the department’s policy of preventing “public nuisance crimes.” He noted that while the trend has not yet led to arrests in Lincoln County, there have been at least two documented incidents in neighboring counties where teenagers were cited for disorderly conduct after a public urination incident.

The LPS district’s statement cites a recent incident in Omaha that was covered by the Omaha World-Herald. The report, which can be accessed through a link on the WOWT article, details how a 16‑year‑old was detained for urinating in a public park and subsequently faced a misdemeanor charge. The student’s parents, who had reported the behavior to school officials months earlier, claim they were not given a clear warning from the school.

The social‑media companies themselves are taking action. TikTok has updated its community guidelines to disallow “content that encourages or depicts public indecency,” citing the “public‑urination” trend as a prime example. Instagram’s policy update, announced last week, similarly bans “posts that encourage unsafe or illegal behavior.”

The Bigger Picture: Digital‑Age Health and Safety

The Lincoln Public Schools warning is part of a broader conversation about adolescent health in the age of social media. Public schools nationwide are grappling with how to educate students about digital citizenship while addressing the health implications of viral trends. According to a 2024 report from the Center for Digital Media & Learning, more than 70 % of high‑school students admit to participating in online challenges to “gain likes” or “stand out,” often without fully understanding the risks involved.

LPS’s warning is a reminder that viral trends can cross the boundary between harmless fun and public‑health hazard. By leveraging the district’s student code of conduct, engaging parents, collaborating with local law enforcement, and incorporating health‑education resources, Lincoln is attempting to mitigate the risks of an activity that, while seemingly trivial, could lead to lasting physical, legal, and psychological consequences for students.

For parents, the most practical step is vigilance: check your child’s social‑media accounts, discuss the dangers openly, and remind them that the “likes” they chase may come at a far greater cost. For students, the lesson is simple: no challenge—however viral—is worth jeopardizing your health, your safety, or your future.

The LPS district’s initiative demonstrates a proactive approach to a modern problem. By confronting the trend head‑on and providing clear guidelines and resources, the school system hopes to stop the spread of a potentially dangerous behavior and foster a safer, more responsible community both online and offline.