Have you heard about the latest TikTok trend that’s causing a stir? It’s not just about dance moves or lip-syncing; this one has left a teenager with serious burns. This serves as a reminder that not everything we see online should be attempted at home due to potential safety concerns.
In this article, we will provide straightforward information about this hazardous trend.
We’ll share the story of what happened and why it’s important to think twice before joining in on such challenges. By the end, you’ll know everything about this risky TikTok trend that’s been making waves for all the wrong reasons.
The TikTok Fire Challenge
The TikTok “Fire Challenge” appears to have originated from the account of a TikTok creator named Jack Jerry. He posted videos showing himself spraying hairspray onto a mirror, turning off the lights, and setting it on fire. This challenge is one of several dangerous trends that have circulated on social media, leading to serious injuries.
TikTok Challenge Leaves Kid Burned: Details of the Incident
A TikTok challenge that left a kid burned occurred involving a TikTok challenge that left a teenager severely burned. Here’s what happened:
On April 23, 2023, in Wake Forest, North Carolina, a 16-year-old high school student and athlete named Mason Dark was involved in an incident.
He was with his friends at the time and attempted to make a makeshift blowtorch by using a spray paint can and a lighter.
This dangerous stunt was part of a TikTok challenge. Unfortunately, the can exploded, and Mason was engulfed in flames, resulting in burns across nearly 80% of his body.
Mason’s mother, Holli Dark, heard the explosion and saw her son run outside and jump into a river next to their house in an attempt to extinguish the flames. This quick thinking may have saved his life but also put him at high risk for infection due to the river water.
Mason was quickly transported to the University of North Carolina hospital and admitted to the specialized burns unit. He has since undergone multiple skin grafts and surgeries and is projected to remain hospitalized for approximately six months.
A GoFundMe page was set up by Mason’s grandmother to help cover the medical expenses. The community has shown tremendous support, with donations pouring in to assist Mason and his family during this difficult time.
The “TikTok challenge leaves kid burned” tragic incident involves using a flammable aerosol and a lighter to create a miniature flamethrower. It’s unclear who started this trend or when it began, but it has become viral, leading to dangerous consequences.
Other Dangerous Social Media Trends
There have been several viral social media challenges that have unfortunately led to harmful consequences. Here are a few:
- The Cinnamon Challenge: The task involves attempting to consume a spoonful of powdered cinnamon within 60 seconds without consuming any liquids. It can cause choking, lung inflammation, and even permanent lung damage.
- The Choking Game: Also known as the “Blackout Challenge” this dangerous activity involves choking oneself or others to achieve a brief high. It has led to numerous injuries and even fatalities.
- The Benadryl Challenge: This challenge encouraged individuals to take excessive amounts of the medication Benadryl to induce hallucinations, which can be extremely dangerous and potentially fatal.
- The Skull Breaker Challenge: This challenge, which originated on TikTok, involves two individuals kicking their legs out from under a third person, resulting in them falling backward. This has resulted in serious injuries.
- The Milk Crate Challenge: Participants attempt to climb a pyramid made of milk crates. Many have fallen and sustained injuries ranging from minor to severe.
These challenges highlight the importance of exercising caution and not participating in activities that can put one’s health and safety at risk.
How Can Schools and Parents Educate Kids
Educating kids about responsible social media use is essential in today’s digital age. Here are some strategies that schools and parents can adopt:
- Open Communication: Establish a secure environment for children to discuss their online encounters. Encourage them to openly communicate their opinions and inquiries regarding social media.
- Set Age-Appropriate Boundaries: Create specific guidelines for the use of social media that take into account the child’s age and level of maturity. Discuss the importance of privacy settings and respectful online behavior.
- Educate About Online Privacy: Teach children the significance of protecting personal information and the risks of oversharing on social media platforms.
- Lead by Example: Parents and educators should model responsible social media behavior. Kids often imitate adults, so it’s important to set a good example.
- Limit Screen Time: Encourage children to balance their time online with offline activities. Setting limits on daily social media use can help foster healthier habits.
- Teach Digital Etiquette: It is crucial to treat others with respect and kindness when using the internet. Cyberbullying can have harmful effects, so it’s important to learn how to be a good online citizen.
- Encourage Critical Thinking: Assist children in developing the ability to differentiate between trustworthy information and misinformation. This will decrease the likelihood of them becoming victims of online scams or exposure to harmful content.
- Promote Healthy Friendships: Guide children on how to build and maintain positive relationships online and the importance of not engaging with strangers.
Bottom Line
The story of the TikTok challenge that left a kid burned is a serious one. It shows us how quickly fun can turn into danger. We need to be careful with what we do online.
