Warning over TikTok trend where children go missing on purpose

Parents are being urged to be on the lookout over fears children are going missing for days – all because of a dangerous TikTok trend.

Parents have been urged to be on their guard over fears of an alleged TikTok trend where children go missing on purpose for 48 hours.

A huge search was launched at the weekend after two girls, aged 14 and 15, were reported missing in Stockton-on-Tees in County Durham, north east England.

Dozens of locals turned out to join the hunt for them in pouring rain, The Sun reported.

14 yr old Ruby Cuskern and 15 yr old Megan Hardwick are still #missing from #Stockton although they could be anywhere. We're increasing concerned for their welfare.
Please contact us on 101 with any info/sightings and please RT!@BTPTeesValley@[e-mail]/Do55lsrPTa

— Cleveland Police (@ClevelandPolice) May 16, 2021

They were found safe and well on Monday but a storm then erupted over rumours they may have vanished as part of the TikTok trend.

“It is a craze when teenagers go missing for 48 hours and one leaves phone at home whilst other has their phone to keep an eye on updates and searches and know where not to be where people are looking for them,” one Facebook user said.

It is not known whether these girls were missing “on purpose” inspired by the TikTok trend.

Police said they were not aware of the trend taking root in the area but urged parents to be aware of social media.

The girls were last seen in the Eastbourne area of Stockton-on-Tees around 6.15pm on Saturday.

They failed to return home that night and did not make contact with their families.

Officers launched a search of local playing fields and the hunt was stepped up on Sunday when the police plane was scrambled to scour the area from the skies.

“Girls, please ring Cleveland Police on 101 just to let us know you‘re safe and well. You’re not in any trouble, we just need to know you’re OK,” police tweeted.

Dozens of relatives, friends and locals joined in and a crowd gathered in pouring rain at 5pm on Monday to conduct yet another search of the area.

But reports then filtered through that the girls had been found.

The relieved aunt of one of the teens said the turnout showed the “community spirit” in the town and added: “I want to thank them all so much for the concern and the support.”

Missing teenagers Ruby and Megan have been found safe in Middlesbrough.

Thank you to the thousands of people who responded to our appeals and shared our content across social media.

— Cleveland Police (@ClevelandPolice) May 17, 2021

But a row quickly blew up online amid fears that a TikTok trend may have been behind the drama.

“It‘s a worldwide trend that is happening, it may not be the reason in some cases but it’s happening a lot worldwide,” one warned.

“This is so idiotic and dangerous, TikTok needs banning,” another said.

And in response to comments criticising parents for not keeping a close enough watch on their kids, one person said: “Why always blame the parents?

“Why not blame TikTok for not shutting it straight down?

“Kids are easily led and easily peer pressured into it by other friends, parents can’t control every little thing a teenager does.”

On the app, dozens of videos give youngsters advice on “how to disappear” including ”start avoiding your friends,” and ”delete all your social media”.

Many others were just pleased that the girls were back home safe and well.

One said: “What a relief for the parents.”

Reports of a similar trend in America – dubbed the ‘48-hour challenge’ – stretch back to 2017.

A spokesperson for the Cleveland Police, the local force in the area, said on Twitter it was investigating the trend.

“We are aware of a rumour regarding a TikTok ‘trend’ being shared on local information pages,” police tweeted.

“There are some news articles from 2017 to suggest a potential Facebook tend at that time, however, it is not known to have taken place in Cleveland and there is no verifiable information to back this up in 2021.”

3/3 All missing persons appeals are graded on risk before being put into the public domain. Please continue to provide us with your support and information on missing people. It is very much appreciated.

— Cleveland Police (@ClevelandPolice) May 18, 2021

There has been a spate of teenagers going missing across Britain in recent weeks but it is not known if any were linked to this “trend”.

TikTok has been approached for a comment.