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A new viral social media challenge has been picked up by teenagers everywhere—and parents are not a tiny bit amused. Kids are trying out the challenge, called the salt and ice challenge, and end up burning themselves.
In order to do it, one has to rub salt onto an area of skin—the size of which depends on how much you wanted to get hurt—and place an ice cube on top and press it onto the salted skin.
One has to hold it for a long period of time, which will cause a chemical reaction that makes the temperature of the ice to reach -17 degrees C or 1.4 degrees F.
The overall result of course is what teenagers are after, not the pain during the ordeal. After getting the right size, shape, and severity of the blister or burn that one wanted, he or she can now take a photo and upload it on social media.
Now, part of the challenge is to pass the it on to another victim—I mean, friend—who has to do the challenge because of a verbal nomination.
A spokesperson for St. John Ambulance told Metro that they obviously don’t promote or suggest that this challenge is safe. The spokesperson said that the burn has to be treated immediately to prevent further complications.
The spokesperson instructed, “Run it under cool water for at least ten minutes, or until the pain feels better. Don’t use ice, gels or creams as they can damage tissues and increase risk of infection.”
“Once the burn has cooled, cover it with kitchen film. If the burn is on the face, hands, feet, or larger than the size of the person’s hand, it is likely to be a more serious burn and you should seek further medical advice.”
A spokesperson for the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children told Metro, “It is important for schools keep a close eye on all emerging trends.
“The rise of social media contributes to increasing peer pressure amongst children and this ‘craze’ is another clear example of the risks to children’s wellbeing.
“The NSPCC publishes advice and guidance for parents on discussing online safety with their children, as well as Net Aware – the UK’s only parental guide to social media and gaming apps.”
Social media challenges are fun and entertaining to watch. However, there should be times when players have to draw the line for their own safety.
