Viral Videos & Deadly Pranks

When teens and kids see dare-devil stunts on YouTube, it can all seem like a joke. "Car surfing" (standing on top of a moving car in a surfing stance) or "skitching" (being pulled by a moving vehicle while riding a skateboard) can remind kids of video games or action movies—risky, but fun. However, kids don't recognize the full extent of damage that can occur when these stunts go badly, partly because of a lack of development in the youth's prefrontal cortex that affects rational decision making. 

Car surfing was recently in the news when a pair of teenage boys convinced their Uber driver to allow them to car surf and then shared a video of it on snapchat. One boy fell off the car and hit his head on the pavement. Though he was dazed, instead of going to the hospital, the boys continued on to a sleepover where the injured boy died of traumatic brain injury, fractured skull and cranial bleeding.

Caregivers should be aware that car surfing and skitching are popular trends and that it is important to talk to kids about these stunts. Yes, death is possible, as well as paralysis and other serious injuries. Kids should learn about these risks and what to do if their friends want to try it out. Not only should they not participate themselves, they should refuse to drive the vehicle involved, and call a caring adult if people are engaging in these dangerous activities. 

As the parents of the deceased boy from the story above will tell you—as well as all of the boy's friends—a moment or two of fame on social media is not worth your health or your life.

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