Teens Are Stealing for the Nike Zipper Pull Challenge—What Parents Need To Know

This theft is happening in schools and experts say it can be a problem.

Sadly, petty theft in schools is nothing new. But a new viral TikTok challenge is inspiring kids and teens to steal Nike Elite backpack zipper pulls, and the consequences of their actions may be more serious than they seem.

First, what are these zipper pulls? They’re small, and don’t look like they would be worth much—but the cords from Nike Elite backpacks are being sold online for a huge markup, according to the New York Post .

Kids are stealing the accessories at schools across the country, including at my daughter's middle school, where she says kids trade them on the bus. A mom shared a video on TikTok saying that the trend of stealing the Nike zipper pulls hit her son’s school as well. Two of his pulls were stolen, and countless commenters confirmed their kids were also victims of, or at least aware of, the viral challenge to lift the pulls.

One commenter said the pulls “are like trophies to show off to friends.” And indeed, some TikTokers have taken to posting their extensive haul online. At least one of the videos I found of a kid showing off around a dozen pulls he had stolen was taken down for obvious reasons.

This trend is upsetting , and it’s also eye-rolling to at least one teacher on TikTok who doesn’t want to deal with the drama the petty theft has inspired at the school where she teaches. But this is not only fueling tween and teen angst —taking someone else’s property, no matter what the item is, is also against the law.

The Nike Zipper Pull Challenge Can Have Consequences

As Managing Attorney at Rosenblum Law, Jobin Joseph , tells Parents , “It’s illegal to take something that doesn’t belong to you, even if the item is worth very little, such as a zipper attachment.”

So, what can a parent do if their child’s zipper pulls are stolen? First, document what happened and inform the school. There are likely consequences for theft already in place, such as detention, suspension, or even expulsion for repeat offenders.

“If they wish, parents of children who are victims of this behavior can file a police report," says Joseph. "Although many of these cases are not prosecuted, prosecution is more likely for repeat offenders."

To be fair, he also points out that legal repercussions for stealing depend primarily on the stolen property’s monetary value, and explains, “In this case, because zipper pulls have almost no monetary value, prosecution is unlikely. Even if someone is charged, a guilty verdict would result in a minor penalty like community service.”

On the flip side, if your child has taken some of these pulls, it’s a great opportunity to talk with them about respecting the property of others, and how serious the ramifications of even minor theft can be.

“Schools and parents need to explain to students that although challenges on social media can seem like fun, they also can have unwanted legal and social consequences,” Joseph says. “In particular, committing any crime can result in a juvenile criminal record. This could cause problems in the future, such as preventing a student from getting into college , obtaining a scholarship, or finding a job.”

Why Do Kids Take Part in a Challenge Like This?

The Nike zipper pull challenge, and others like it, are like a game, often fueled by peer pressure .

“Kids want to fit in and they want to be seen as doing what is ‘cool’ and ‘popular,’” says Rebecca Wallace, PsyD, psychologist at Children’s Hospital New Orleans. “In their minds, it seems like a harmless prank or insignificant crime.”

Dr. Wallace adds that kids typically don’t think about or see the negative consequences of a challenge like this.

Titania Jordan , Bark Technologies ’ Chief Parent Officer, points out that the Nike Elite backpacks are expensive, retailing for more than $80, which adds to their allure. The thrill of it may also play a role.

“TikTok gamifies dangerous and illegal trends like this, making them seem cool and trendy,” she also concurs. “Also, because it can take some effort to sneakily detach the zipper pulls, kids may see it as a challenge and something fun to do.”

Kids may further find it funny that, as Jordan points out, “People on TikTok have mentioned that it can be hard to pull the zipper itself without the pull because of how small it is.”

How To Protect Your Child’s Property in Light of This Challenge

Kids with these desirable backpacks should keep a close eye on their belongings—or bring a different backpack to school, advises Tara Tighe Umbrino , Managing Attorney, TLT Legal Services.

What about if the zipper is already stolen?

“You can also try using a different string in the zipper so the backpack is still usable even if the pull is stolen,” she says, adding, “If this is truly becoming an issue, the school may be able to update its dress code or policies to prohibit those backpacks in schools.”

Jordan agrees that you can try replacing the coveted cords, perhaps with zip ties instead. But her main takeaway for moms, dads, and caregivers is this: “I think now is a good time to remind parents that children under 13 shouldn't even be on TikTok and this stupid trend only begins to scratch the surface of the immature, inappropriate, and downright harmful content that exists on that platform.”

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Read the original article on Parents .