It seems like every day there’s another new fad keeping kids and teens occupied. But some trends are more dangerous than most — and the Tide Pod Challenge is no exception.
The trend involves kids placing Tide pods in their mouths, something that USA Today points out was actually satirized on the comedy website The Onion in 2015.
Poison control centers received more than 10,500 exposure reports last year in children 5 years old and under, just related to these self-dissolving, highly concentrated packets of laundry detergent, the American Association of Poison Control Centers says.
The dangers of eating these pods include “burning of the mouth or esophagus, vomiting, diarrhea, and breathing difficulties if detergent gets into the lungs,” says Kristin Wilson, director of clinical outreach at Newport Academy, which is made up of treatment centers for teens struggling with mental health issues, eating disorders and substance abuse. “In addition, the chemicals in the detergent may exacerbate underlying or pre-existing medical conditions.”
According to a statement from Tide, “Our laundry pacs are a highly concentrated detergent meant to clean clothes … They should not be played with, whatever the circumstance is, even if meant as a joke.”
It’s clear such social media challenges can be risky, and even potentially deadly, according to Wilson. But teens by nature will look to new experiences and learning opportunities that make them feel good “without always thinking about the consequences or risks associated with doing so,” Wilson says. “Social media challenges tap into the idea of doing something risky, with the reward of being ‘famous’ or ‘liked’ by peers.”
Wilson continues: “For example, the Salt and Ice Challenge, in which teens pour salt on their skin and then apply ice, can result in burns and scars. The Eraser Challenge, in which kids rub an eraser on a part of their body for an extended period of time, can cause skin burns, scarring, and infection. A particularly dangerous one is the Choking or Passing Out Challenge, for which people will intentionally cut off their oxygen supply for a temporary high.”
And when it comes to Tide pods, long-term exposure could be lethal.
So, what’s a parent to do if their child expresses interest in a challenge like this? Wilson offered these tips:
— Keep up with what your kids are seeing online and talk to them about such challenges.
— Ask them their opinion. Do they see the risk? Do they think it would be worth it to try such a challenge?
— Explain why they shouldn’t make decisions based on social media “like” potential, and discuss what peer pressure is.
— Be a good role model.
And, if your child is doing this, be a sounding board.
“Actively listen and talk openly with your teen,” Wilson says. “If they are coming to you, it’s because they trust you. Validate their thoughts and feelings. However, if they are engaging in potentially dangerous behaviors, it is time to seek out professional help.”
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Teens Are Placing Tide Pods in Their Mouths, Putting Their Health at Risk originally appeared on usnews.com
