A Wiltshire school warned pupils they would face punishment or even police involvement if they took part in a TikTok protest.

Children across the country took part in a TikTok trend encouraging them to protest rules restricting their bathroom use.

When Chippenham’s Abbeyfield School became aware some pupils were planning protests, the headteacher warned of severe consequences for anyone who damaged school property or put others at risk.

In a letter to parents, Nick Norgrove said: “Many of you may have seen recent scenes in other schools where protests have been held for reasons such as rules regarding toilets or uniforms.

“In many cases this led to damage to school property and injuries being caused to other pupils and, in one extreme case at another school, the police being called as students were at risk.

“Any pupils who protest during lesson time will be recorded as being truant via ClassCharts and set a senior team detention after school.

“Any pupils who destruct school property will potentially face a fixed term suspension and parents will be asked to pay for any cost.

“Criminal damage is a crime and may lead to police involvement and prosecution.

“Parents of pupils found taking any potential protest beyond something considered safe and peaceful will be contacted immediately to remove their child from the situation”.

Mr Norgrove revealed new rules about bathroom use were implemented over concerns raised by the student council.

He said: “The student council expressed concern younger years are made to feel unsafe where pupils congregate in toilet areas.

“We implemented year group specific toilets and increased duty patrols to encourage groups not to hang out or eat in toilet areas.

“Recent occurrences of vandalism within our toilets, caused by nationwide TikTok crazes, mean school finances have been spent on ensuring they are fit for purpose. 

“Further vandalism to internal roof tiles, and areas under sinks, has also occurred when pupils have attempted to stash vapes, which are a banned item”. 

Mr Norgrove told this paper no protests happened this week and the correct forum to express concerns about school rules was via the student council.

He said: “We communicated to parents, as did numerous schools, having been informed there was planning on social media for potential protests.

“I am pleased to say that with the support of our parent body we didn’t have any TikTok protests.

“We have a wonderful student body who are aware of the multiple avenues open to them to seek change, the most effective being the school council.”