Watch the Dangers of Social Media Challenges: Medicine Poison Exposure (above).
About the dangers of social media challenges
Some social media challenges tell kids and teens to try risky things with alcohol, medicine, or food. These challenges can be very dangerous. They might ask you to use products in the wrong way, which can lead to poison exposure, hospital visits, or even death. If a post tells you to drink or eat something that isn't safe, don’t do it. It’s not worth getting hurt for likes or views. Know when to say no.
Sources of poisoning
- Alcohol/liquor
- Food
- Household products such as baking soda, cleaners, and soap
- Medicines
- Personal care products such as cosmetics, shampoo, and body wash
Symptoms of poisoning
- Blurred vision
- Burns
- Confusion
- Death (in severe cases)
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Hallucination
- High body temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure
- Nausea
- Slow reaction time
- Stomach pain
- Vomiting
Prevention tips regarding social media challenges
For children and teens
- Consider taking a social media break/holiday from time to time
- Do not comment, message, or post content with anybody you don’t know
- Know when to opt-out
- Stay within your social network and trusted circle
- Understand that social media is not all fun and games—dangers can be associated with content found on social media
For parents and caregivers
- Supervise children and teens using social media
- Be a positive role model for your children by practicing safe online habits yourself
- Communicate openly, compassionately, and frequently about the potential dangers of social media with children
- Encourage your children to speak up or use the reporting feature to help keep themselves and others safe online
- Monitor your children’s online activity and set limits on their screen time
- Practice safe storage of medicines and chemicals at all times
- Use parental controls on your children’s devices to block inappropriate content that is not suitable for their age
