TicTok Trend Encourages Children To Stick Forks in Outlets

West Virginian Times
2 min readFeb 13, 2023

--

Washington D.C. — Following a dangerous trend on TikTok that has been encouraging children to stick forks in outlets, experts are warning parents and young people to exercise caution and prioritize safety when it comes to social media use. According to reports, at least 17 children have died as a result of this dangerous trend, which has spread rapidly on the popular social media app.

Picture from a parent after child was gravely injured due to this trend

The trend involves users filming themselves sticking a fork into an electrical outlet, often using hashtags and challenges to gain views and followers. However, experts warn that this behavior is not only dangerous but potentially lethal, and can lead to electrocution or serious injury.

In response to this trend, child safety advocates are urging parents to monitor their children’s social media use and educate them about the dangers of copying what they see online. Experts suggest that parents should have open and honest conversations with their children about the importance of safety, and the potential consequences of engaging in dangerous behaviors.

“It’s important that we take a stand against dangerous trends like this,” says child safety advocate, Maria Hernandez. “We need to make sure that our children understand that what they see on social media isn’t always safe or responsible, and that they need to be cautious and smart when using these platforms.”

In addition to parental involvement, experts are also calling for social media companies to take responsibility for the content on their platforms and ensure that harmful trends are removed promptly. TikTok has already issued a statement condemning the trend and promising to remove any related content from its app.

“Ensuring the safety and well-being of our users is our top priority,” said a spokesperson for TikTok. “We are actively working to remove any content that promotes dangerous or harmful behavior, and we encourage our users to report any such content immediately.”

While social media platforms like TikTok can be a source of entertainment and community for young people, it is essential that parents, educators, and social media companies work together to ensure that these platforms promote responsible and safe behavior. By educating our children about the potential dangers of engaging in harmful trends and encouraging them to prioritize safety, we can help to prevent future tragedies and promote a culture of responsibility and well-being on social media.

--

--