First, it was the dangerous Tide Pod challenge, where teens, adults, and even some children challenged each other to bite into a Tide Pod detergent package as a dare. Videos of the challenge were posted on social media, even though experts noted the challenge could (and did) lead to serious chemical burns, poisoning, and serious injury.
Then came the #InMyFeelings challenge, where passengers of cars posted videos of themselves hopping out of a moving car and dancing alongside the still-moving vehicle. Again, experts noted that the challenge could lead to serious rollover and car accident injuries. Yet the challenge continued.
The latest trend is even more dangerous. Known as “swerving” it involves bicyclists, usually teenagers, who cycle in front of, alongside, or up behind a vehicle, perform stunts, and swerve away at the last moment. Not surprisingly, this can lead to serious and life-threatening collisions, yet it’s a trend that seems to be ongoing.
These challenges and dares tend to be created regularly and many parents are worried. To keep your children safe from these and the newest batch of social media “challenges”, you will want to:
- Stay alert to new trends. Set up alerts on your phone so you are aware when new challenges are posted. This gives you the opportunity to speak with your children about potential new dangers they may be faced with. By speaking to your children before a friend speaks to them about the same challenge or before they see the challenge of social media, you’re preparing your child for how they can react so they’re not surprised and tempted to go along with a dare.
- Know who your child is friends with. This way you notice any potential bad influences.
- Know why fads happen. Very often these challenges play into teenagers’ and children’s basic desire to be part of a group. These challenges are way too be seen and get recognized. Knowing why these fads keep happening can help you react in a measured way.
- Limit social media exposure. Having no-screen time helps children find self-esteem outside of challenges and limits their exposure to the latest fads.
- Look out for signs of trouble. If your child is suddenly showing signs of injuries or is acting withdrawn or has personality changes, there may be something going on. It may not necessarily be peer pressure, but it should get your attention.
- Get help involved when needed. If your child is taking part in dangerous activities, you may want to speak to a counselor or therapist with your family to get your child support.
- Have consequences in place. Your child should know that if they take part in reckless driving or dangerous stunts, they will lose their privileges or allowance. Have consequences in place so your children are motivated to say no to dangerous fads.
If your child has been injured due to someone’s negligence or recklessness, contact Flaxman Law Group at 1-866-352-9626 (1-866-FLAXMAN) to speak to a Hollywood personal injury attorney. Our attorneys have more than 60 years of combined experience and we have helped thousands of clients get fair compensation for their injuries.