TikTok Helps New Hampshire Teen Rescue Friend 800 Miles Away

When our kids are young, we teach them about the dangers of strangers and equip them with vital information such as their home address and parents’ phone numbers. We strive to keep them safe, even instructing them on how to call 911 during emergencies. But what about when they grow older? As they venture into the online world, they face a new array of potential crises that they must be prepared for. A perfect example is 13-year-old Jamie Parker from New Hampshire.

On a seemingly average afternoon spent browsing TikTok, Parker stumbled upon a live stream from a boy he regularly follows. Eight hundred miles away in Kentucky, Alex Thompson was out riding his all-terrain vehicle. Both Parker and Thompson share a passion for outdoor activities like fishing and off-roading.

In mere moments of the livestream, Parker sensed something was off. “Suddenly, his screen went blank, and I could hear him screaming for help,” Parker recounted in an interview. Thompson had experienced a crash, leaving him trapped beneath his vehicle. As he frantically called out his grandparents’ phone number, it became clear to Parker that he needed to act fast.

Parker quickly reached out to Thompson’s grandparents, and within 20 minutes, his parents were able to find and rescue him. Thompson only suffered minor injuries. “Jamie reacted and contacted adults, as we have always taught him. He sensed something was wrong when he couldn’t reach Alex directly,” said Parker’s stepfather, who is also a local police chief. “We’re incredibly proud of how he remained calm in such a critical moment.”

This isn’t an isolated case; teens have saved lives from afar before. In 2020, a gamer from California helped a friend in Canada who had a medical emergency during a live session. Such courage and quick thinking is what we hope to instill in our children.

However, we have also seen tragic stories of children accidentally harming themselves while live streaming. It’s crucial for parents to prepare their children for these situations and provide them with the necessary tools for handling emergencies. Resources like March of Dimes offer excellent guidance.

Stay Composed

In an emergency, it’s vital to stay as calm as possible. This can be challenging, especially if fear sets in, but a clear mind leads to better decisions.

Evaluate the Situation

Can the individual communicate? Are they able to provide contact information for someone who can help? Do you know their location?

Act Promptly

If you can reach the person’s family or a trusted adult, do so immediately. If not, don’t hesitate to call 911, but remember, making false emergency calls is serious.

Collect Details

When speaking with emergency services, be prepared to share information about the situation. Details like who is involved, what has happened, and where it occurred can expedite help.

Seek Support from a Trusted Adult

Once you’ve contacted emergency services, find a trusted adult nearby to help and support you during the ordeal.

Today’s youth spend substantial time online; a 2019 report indicated that children average seven hours a day on screens, not counting schoolwork. This exposure can lead to both positive and negative experiences.

In a frightening incident from January 2021, four girls in Louisiana were charged with murder after a violent crime that they posted online. Such occurrences underline the importance of proactive parenting. Children need to be taught to take action rather than stand by, which is often referred to as the bystander effect.

In challenging situations, whether online or offline, it’s essential that kids learn to act swiftly and responsibly. Teaching them to remain calm and take action can empower them to be helpful individuals throughout their lives.

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In summary, teaching our children to be proactive and calm in emergencies, whether online or offline, is crucial for their safety and the safety of others. By equipping them with the right tools and knowledge, we can help them become responsible and quick-thinking adults.