A 13-year-old boy from Ohio tragically passed away after attempting the viral “Benadryl Challenge” on TikTok (CNN, URL). The “challenge” involves taking a large amount of Benadryl, an over-the-counter medication used to treat allergies, in order to experience hallucinations (NDTV.com, URL). Unfortunately, this can lead to an overdose and dangerous side effects, including seizures and coma (CBS News, URL).
The boy’s parents are now urging others to be aware of the dangers of social media challenges, as they do not want any other families to go through what they are experiencing (CBS News, URL). The grieving father warns parents about the challenge, as it can have deadly consequences (Indy100, URL). He describes his son as a “wonderful kid” who enjoyed sports and was always smiling (Indy100, URL).
The family hopes to spread awareness about the harmful effects of this challenge and the importance of monitoring children’s activity on social media, as well as educating them on the potential dangers (Click Orlando, URL). The family wants to prevent tragedy from happening to other young people, as there have been reports of others attempting the “Benadryl Challenge” on TikTok (New York Post, URL).
In conclusion, this tragic event serves as a warning to parents, educators, and children alike to be cautious about the dangers of social media trends and to prioritize safety above harmful online challenges (Hindustan Times, URL). It is essential to have open communication about the potential risks and to monitor their activity online to ensure their safety (6ABC, URL).
