Officials Warn Parents About Dangerous Social Media Trend That Injured Louisiana Child

(Lafayette, Louisiana) -  Social Media can be a wonderful thing when we use it correctly, but at the same time, it can be dangerous for some

Trends on social media are nothing new; we have seen some fun trends come across various platforms in recent years, llike the Ice Bucket Challenge, but then there are those trends or "challenges" that are flat-out dangerous.

The latest trend sweeping social media is so dangerous that officials are now asking parents to talk to their kids about the risks.

Dangerous Social Media Challenge

Several media outlets across the state, like KPLC TV, are reporting that a 9-year-old boy in New Orleans was injured after taking part in the latest challenge.

After being convinced to take part in this challenge, the young kid was left with burns across 70 percent of his body.

The dangerous challenge is called the "fire challenge." As you may expect, this disgusting challenge created by some encourages kiids to set themselves on fire, and sadly, that's what happened to the kid in New Orleans.

As a parent, I know I will talk to my kids about this danger circulating on social media, and as parents, we need to let others know what some are encouraging our kids to do online.

We need to remind our kids that they never have to feel pressured into anything, especially when it comes across social media. Many kids take part in these "challenges" so they don't feel left out, but in doing so, many put themselves in serious danger.

READ MORE: See How Much it Costs to Eat in Each Parish 

READ MORE: Louisiana Woman Allegedly Douses Others With Lighter Fluid

In a video posted by the New Orleans Police and New Orleans Fire, officials warn parents and kids about the dangers of the latest social media challenge.

I reached out to Alton Trahan with the Lafayette Fire Dept., and here's what he said about the "Fire Challenge" sweeping across various social media platforms:

"The fire challenge is a highly dangerous, life-threatening activity that no one should perform. We urge parents to educate their children about this internet trend and monitor any inclination in their children or friends to participate."