Having three teenagers who are glued to TikTok keeps me on high alert. As their parent, it feels like a full-time job ensuring they don’t get swept up in the latest internet crazes that could lead to trouble. While I appreciate TikTok for its recipes, fashion tips, humor, and incredible dollar store finds, some trends make my blood boil.
One such trend is the ridiculous stunt of throwing water at drive-thru employees or tossing food back in their faces while driving away laughing. Nothing irritates me more than people disrespecting others for a cheap laugh or to go viral. I refuse to be one of those parents who assumes my kids are immune to these reckless behaviors just because I hope they’re smarter than that. Teenagers often feel invincible and may not grasp the serious consequences of their actions.
This is where the conversations happen, and my kids roll their eyes like they’re in a horror movie, but I have to talk to them about these dangerous trends. When I came across the milk crate challenge — a bizarre feat of stacking milk crates into a pyramid and attempting to walk up and down without falling — I knew I had to warn them to steer clear.
Since the challenge went viral, the hashtag has racked up over 71 million views. Sure, it can be amusing to watch people fall, but there’s nothing funny about someone getting hurt. These self-inflicted injuries make me want to scream and toss (soft) objects at the screen. Why not find a safer way to spend your time?
Dr. Alex Morgan, a surgeon in the UK, warned that the milk crate challenge could lead to serious orthopedic injuries, head injuries, and even worse consequences from falling on hard surfaces. While some individuals may have completed the challenge unscathed, the risks far outweigh the fleeting fame.
Seriously, is it worth going viral for a few moments of attention while risking severe injuries that could keep you out of commission for months, all while placing more strain on our already burdened healthcare system? The answer is clear.
Dr. Morgan elaborates that injuries can range from broken bones to potentially life-threatening conditions like spinal cord injuries. I just can’t with this foolishness. Let’s leave the milk crates for their intended use — as makeshift bookshelves for college kids.
The timing of this challenge is infuriating, especially during a health crisis. To everyone who has participated and shared their experiences: please stop these reckless stunts and refrain from filming yourself risking your well-being. Remember, young children are watching TikTok and can easily be influenced by these ridiculous challenges.
If you want to read more about safe practices and the importance of responsible behavior regarding personal health, check out this informative piece on home insemination.
Summary
TikTok’s latest trend, the milk crate challenge, poses serious risks of injury while entertaining viewers. Parents should be vigilant about these dangerous fads and engage in discussions with their teens to discourage reckless behavior.
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