Teachers throughout the country are facing a new challenge that they never expected.
It’s not about prohibiting sneakers or makeup, nor is it about banning playground fighting, as in the past.
This time, the issue is a viral phenomenon that has grabbed the interest of Gen Alpha and is generating quite a fuss in schools: the ‘skibidi toilet’ craze.
The statement, which may seem strange to others, comes from a popular YouTube series by animator Alexey Gerasimov.
The weird and slightly disturbing videos have gained a big audience, resulting in an increase in TikTok sounds and viral fame.
As the trend spreads, youngsters have begun to repeat the phrase “skibidi toilet” and sing the series’ catchy songs in school, making it an unavoidable viral sensation.
With the word ringing through corridors and disturbing lessons, some instructors are caught up in the cultural phenomena.
The popularity of the ‘skibidi toilet’ has driven them to think up new ways to regulate its impact on classroom conduct.
A TikTok video even showed one instructor handling the issue by telling her children when they can repeat the phrase hours conveniently outside of school time.
“Between 12 a.m. and 9:15 a.m., and 4 p.m. to 11:59,” she instructed her students, guaranteeing that the ‘skibidi toilet’ would be a distant memory during school hours.
Despite the teacher’s efforts to keep order, it was evident that she was perplexed by the trend, as she jokingly asked, “Also, what is skibidi toilet?” after establishing the rules.
This playful approach, however, is not everywhere. Other educators are at their wits end.
“I told them if I hear that word one more time, I’m quitting,” one teacher confessed on TikTok, expressing the frustration shared by many in the industry.
Another stated, “I have a sign that says skibidi is banned in my classroom. It’s just annoying to me.”
However, not all instructors are equally frustrated. Some people have decided to take a different approach, using reverse psychology to deprive the phrase of its lure.
“I notice the more I say it, the less the students say it. Cringe factor for the win!” exclaimed one teacher, demonstrating the potential of making a trend “uncool” by overusing it.
Another teacher recounted her strategy of singing an exaggerated rendition of the song in front of her students, much to their dismay.
“Problem solved. My kids HATED hearing me sing it and stopped!” she stated, highlighting the innovative tactics that instructors are using.
On Reddit, the ‘skibidi toilet’ discussion is gaining heat among teachers.
One commenter pointed out that such disruptive movements are not new, saying, “Every generation has its thing.”
Others expressed similar feelings, with one instructor referring to the phenomenon as “white noise” among the numerous distractions that arise in the school setting.
However, as classrooms around the country become battlegrounds for viral trends, it is unclear whether the bans and creative measures will ultimately be effective.
Teachers are left to navigate this odd chapter in classroom management one ‘skibidi’ at a time.
Featured Image Credit: (Youtube/@DaFuq!?Boom!)
