This New Internet Challenge Makes the Tide Pod Kids Look like Geniuses

1.

This one’s been around for five years, but it’s making a comeback that endangers anyone who partakes in it. It's called the "salt and ice challenge," and YouTube videos of it date back to 2012.

2.

Kids will put salt and ice on their skin, then see how long they can endure the burn.

3.

4.

5.

The videos get shared, recruiting even more people to play the pointless and dangerous game.

6.

It might not sound like salt and ice can do much damage, but together, they can cause great harm.

7.

The salt supercools the ice, making it MUCH colder (1 degree F) than it would be without it (32 degrees F).

8.

The big problem is that those participating don't know the extent of the damage they're doing until long after the pain becomes too great.

9.

It's essentially giving yourself frostbite, and the effects can be worse than 3rd-degree burns.

10.

"Some of the pictures you'll see on the internet and YouTube, those kids have third-degree burns," said Brian Wagers, a pediatrician.

11.

"I mean it turns it to leather essentially. So you lose the blood vessels that are in there. You lose sensation, because of the nerve endings... You'll never have like hair if you did it on your arms. So you'll have a bald patch."

12.

Dozens of children have been hospitalized, with schools and medical bodies issuing a warning.

13.

Said a spokesperson, "It’s important for schools keep a close eye on all emerging trends and we welcome the police’s warning to head teachers."

14.

“The rise of social media has contributed to increasing peer pressure amongst children and this ‘craze’ is another clear example of the risks.”

15.

16.

Parents should follow these four tips to dissuade their kids from playing and treating them if they do.

17.

First, tell your kids to refuse the game. Show them pictures of the aftermath.

18.

Just walk away.

19.

Keep an eye out for these strange marks on your children and their friends as well. If their friends have them, be cautious about the time they spend out of sight.

20.

Offer up less dangerous and more fun activities to do instead.If you find someone hurt by the challenge, apply cool water on the affected area for ten minutes. Don't use balms or creams. Those can make things worse.

21.

If you find someone hurt by the challenge, apply cool water on the affected area for ten minutes. Don't use balms or creams. Those can make things worse.

22.

Just talk with your kids