A dangerous TikTok trend has escalated beyond harmless pranks, with five children now facing potential felony charges for terrorizing California families by violently kicking in their front doors.
Children Face Felony Charges for Social Media Destruction
Five youngsters were arrested in Elk Grove, California, for participating in the dangerous “door kick challenge” spreading across TikTok. The arrests included two 13-year-olds who caused more than $680 in property damage by violently kicking strangers’ front doors.
Under California law, these children could face felony charges since damages exceeded $400, transforming what they believed was harmless fun into serious criminal behavior with lasting consequences for their futures.
Terrified Families Live in Fear of Midnight Attacks
Homeowner Ronnie Monroe experienced the terror firsthand when children targeted his garage door during back-to-back weeks at 1 am and 5 am. His granddaughter came “flying in scared and panicky” after hearing what sounded like a home invasion attempt. Monroe’s family chased down the perpetrators, only to discover them attacking another neighbor’s door. Police documented at least eight similar incidents in the past month, leaving families afraid to sleep peacefully in their own homes.
Law Enforcement Warns of Deadly Consequences
Police departments nationwide are issuing urgent warnings about the potentially fatal outcomes of this trend. Elk Grove Police Sergeant Jason Jimenez emphasized that the attacks “sound like someone is kicking down your door to try and hurt your family.”
NEW: Five teens arrested in California for ‘door kick’ TikTok challenge that has been terrorizing homeowners across the U.S
Police in Elk Grove said the latest arrests included two 13-year-olds
Officers said the kids caused more than $680 in damage and issued a warning about… pic.twitter.com/sK24NBVLNr
— Unlimited L's (@unlimited_ls) November 18, 2025
The Volusia Sheriff’s Office in Florida declared the challenge a “surefire way to get locked up with a felony or even worse, shot and killed by a homeowner.” These warnings proved prophetic after an 11-year-old Texas boy was fatally shot in September during a similar doorbell prank.
Parents Must Take Control of Children’s Social Media Consumption
The Elk Grove Police Department urged parents to actively monitor their children’s social media activities and understand how online challenges influence young minds. Police spokesman emphasized that parents should “be proactive and know what your children are watching on social media.”
The Fleetwood Police Department in Pennsylvania noted that today’s youth have escalated traditional pranks to “a more serious level by kicking at doors and ultimately causing damage,” creating genuine threats to life and property that responsible parents must address immediately.