A disturbing TikTok trend called the “National Rape Day” is currently spreading among Berlin schools, encouraging individuals to touch and harass women without their consent. The Berlin Senate has warned schools, parents, and students about videos on popular internet platforms that could trivialize sexual assaults. Berlin’s Education Senator, Katharina Günther-Wünsch, has alerted schools about false information circulating on the internet regarding sexual harassment of girls and adolescents.
According to Günther-Wünsch, there is a disturbing TikTok trend known as the “National Rape Day” that could affect schools on Wednesday, April 24. In a letter to around 800 Berlin schools, she emphasized the importance of addressing this issue and raising awareness among teachers. The trend involves an invitation to touch and harass young women and girls on April 24, claiming that such actions would not be punished on that day. Although the original video promoting this message has been deleted and debunked, it continues to circulate persistently among TikTok users, particularly in school chats.
Günther-Wünsch urged schools to educate teachers about the prevalence of fake news on the internet, especially concerning sensitive topics like sexual harassment. Students who discuss the issue should be taken seriously, and teachers should be vigilant and knowledgeable about handling situations involving sexual assaults. It is essential to report instances of sexual assault, sexual coercion, and rape, as they are criminal offenses under German law. Additionally, sharing content that incites illegal acts is also punishable by law.
Following discussions with students at some schools, the Senate Education Administration decided to issue a warning letter as a precautionary measure. The online platform, TikTok, has reportedly taken steps to filter the problematic hashtag and any searches related to a “National Rape Day” to protect German users from harmful content. When users in Germany attempt to access such content, they receive warning messages and are unable to view any related material. The Berlin Senate is working proactively to address and prevent the spread of harmful trends and misinformation among students and the wider community.
