<
Social media challenges have become very popular among kids. Joe Perno, M.D., from Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital explains that the main intent of these challenges is to generate attention online. It is typical for teenagers to want to try new things, especially when they may be risky. Furthermore, anything that may increase your popularity, i.e. generating likes on Instagram, is very tempting. Teenagers rarely think through the consequences of their actions. It is common for teens to feel invincible.
What Are Some of the Negative Consequences of These Challenges?
It depends upon the challenge. For example, the Tide pod challenge can have serious ramifications on the lungs or gastrointestinal tract. Children can even become quite ill, including having seizures. Snorting condoms can cause a blockage of the airway causing suffocation. If the condom is swallowed, it can also cause a blockage of the intestinal tract requiring emergency surgery. The cinnamon challenge can cause serious respiration problems, especially in those teens who might be prone to respiratory issues. Some of the challenges, such as the Momo Challenge, have been linked to teen suicide attempts.
What Can Parents Do? What Should They Be Doing?
Parents need to speak to their children about these challenges. Similar to the talks they should already be giving about drugs and alcohol, texting and driving, etc., they need to discuss avoiding these challenges. Parents need to explain the dangers while simultaneously understanding the attraction for the teen. Parents need to remain vigilant about staying up to date on these dangerous activities and have some awareness of your child’s social media habits.
On Call for All Kids is a weekly series featuring Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital medical experts. Visit HopkinsAllChildrens.org/Newsroom each Monday for the latest report.
RSS 2.0
More Articles
Posted on May 31, 2023 in General News
A combination of food and environmental allergies mixed with common day care illnesses made the first few years of Erik’s life quite difficult. Specialists at Johns Hopkins All Children’s are helping his family find the answers they need so he can grow up safe and happy and keep doing the things he loves, like playing soccer.
Posted on May 30, 2023 in General News
Donna Sadural, LCSW, M.P.H., arrived in the United States with her family when she was 11 years old, and that journey later led Sadural to earn master’s degrees in social work and public health. She recently shared some thoughts on her work, her background and Asian and Pacific Islander (API) Heritage Month.
Posted on May 25, 2023 in General News
Stephen Kennedy, M.D., shares about his life as a pediatric hospitalist and how his own family showed him anything is possible with a little hard work and dedication.