A 15-year-old boy was treated Sunday at Assuta Ashdod Medical Center for bruising, following what his mother claims was participation in a trending TikTok challenge among teenagers: spinning rapidly on a playground carousel. His condition is considered mild, but his mother is raising awareness about the issue.
"The boy underwent a CT scan and a series of extensive tests. He could have easily sustained severe injuries, potentially causing long-term damage," the hospital said.
Dr. Noy Cohen, deputy director of the Pediatric Emergency Department at the hospital, explained that the boy suffered facial swelling and bruising. "According to him, the day before his admission, he participated in a 'carousel challenge,' spinning at high speed with his head outside the ride. He had bruising in his eyes, petechiae (small spots of bleeding) on his face, and significant swelling. In a follow-up conversation with the mother, it became clear that the incident was part of a TikTok challenge."
Cohen said parents should be concerned about the effects of such social media daredevil activities. "Due to the significant findings, we performed several tests, including an eye exam to rule out eye damage and a CT scan to exclude brain hemorrhages. Thankfully, the tests were normal, and the boy escaped without serious harm. But I want to urge all parents to monitor the TikTok challenges their children are exposed to and participate in. Spinning rapidly on a carousel with the head out of control could lead to head injuries, eye or brain hemorrhages, or worse," he said.
Rachel Yaakobi Efrati, a social worker in the hospital's children's department, noted: "In recent years, we’ve seen more and more children coming in after accidents linked to various TikTok challenges. Not long ago, a girl nearly lost her life due to the 'choking challenge,' and just this week, a boy almost lost his life because of the 'carousel challenge.'"
She urged parents to stay vigilant. "Be attentive and involved. Sit with your kids, watch their feeds together, and discuss what’s being shared. Often, the content is repetitive, but by watching and talking with them, you can help them recognize danger. Teach them to critically evaluate what they see and understand the risks. What might seem funny on the screen can pose a serious, life-threatening hazard," she warned.