Teen Hospitalized After Attempting Dangerous Social Media Challenge

A teenager in St. Petersburg, Florida, was hospitalized after attempting a hazardous social media challenge that involved creating a makeshift jet engine using a jam jar and rubbing alcohol. Emergency services responded to the incident, which resulted in burns severe enough to require medical attention.

Dr. Jasmine Patterson, the medical director of the pediatric emergency room at Muma Children’s Hospital at Tampa General Hospital, reported that the hospital has seen a troubling increase in patients injured due to viral challenges on social media platforms. The facility, which serves as a regional burn center and a level one trauma center, has treated numerous adolescents aged between 14 and 18 for various injuries sustained while attempting these dangerous trends.

Growing Concerns Over Social Media Challenges

Dr. Patterson noted, “I’d say probably a few years ago is when I started to see the bad burns from these viral social media challenges, including this new jar challenge. We’ve definitely treated some burns related to that.” Videos circulating on social media depict individuals filling a jam jar with rubbing alcohol and igniting it, creating a potentially explosive situation.

“The problem is it burns at such high heat that the glass can melt or even explode,” Dr. Patterson explained. This reflects the serious risks associated with replicating such challenges without understanding their dangers.

In light of these incidents, Dr. Patterson urges parents to take an active role in their children’s online activities. “You need to be proactive. Start the conversation with your child that some things are posted on social media that are not safe for kids, and not even safe for adults sometimes,” she advised.

Parents are encouraged to review the content their children engage with online, discussing the potential risks and making informed decisions together. “You and your child need to look through the videos, talk things through, and determine if it’s even something worth attempting,” she added. Supervision during any challenges is essential to ensure safety.

The rising trend of dangerous social media challenges poses significant health risks and emphasizes the importance of parental involvement in navigating online content. As these trends continue to evolve, awareness and education remain critical in preventing further injuries among young individuals.