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November 21, 2024
Orbeez Challenge | What Parents Need to Know
The Orbeez Challenge is a vital TikTok challenge that has taken a dangerous turn. Read on to learn what you need to know about this challenge.
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Table of Contents +
When searching for "Orbeez" on TikTok, you'll often come across videos of people shooting colorful Orbeez with Gel Blasters, particularly teens who aim at others to create shocking videos for likes and followers. But this trend is rapidly evolving, with dangerous consequences.
While Orbeez were originally designed for creative and educational purposes, the "Orbeez Challenge" has taken a more troubling turn. What was once innocent backyard fun has now escalated to shooting strangers with frozen Orbeez which are far more painful than regular gel balls.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents should understand that gel bullets, when fired at close range, can cause serious injuries, particularly to sensitive areas. If a person is found shooting at others or damaging property, they could face legal consequences.
Several incidents related to the Orbeez Challenge have already sparked concerns. In 2022, a 17-year-old, Ethan Liming, tragically died after being shot with a gel gun during a confrontation. Additionally, in Florida, a 19-year-old shot an Amazon delivery driver, and similar cases have been reported in Deltona, prompting cities to ban the guns involved in this dangerous trend.
Parents should also avoid buying toy guns that resemble real firearms. Bystanders may mistake these for real weapons, and law enforcement might respond with actual firearms if the situation escalates.
What Parents Should Do
- Teach Responsible Gun Use: Explain to your kids how to properly and safely use toy guns, stressing the importance of social responsibility, safety, and knowing when and where it’s appropriate to play.
- Monitor Social Media Exposure: Remind kids not to follow every social media trend, especially those that encourage dangerous behavior. Discuss the potential legal consequences of shooting at others, including fines or arrests.
- Discuss Real-World Cases: Talk to your children about the consequences of the Orbeez Challenge, such as criminal charges or injuries, and explain that following these trends can have serious repercussions for both them and their families.
- Encourage Healthy Play: Encourage your kids, especially teens, to focus on fun and healthy activities rather than blindly following viral trends just for social media attention.
Safer Orbeez Challenges
There are plenty of fun, safe alternatives to the Orbeez Challenge that can be enjoyed with family or friends. For example, one of these alternatives includes hiding small objects in a large pool of Orbeez and racing against time to find them. These challenges not only provide fun but also improve motor skills and offer a relaxing, stress-relieving experience.
U.S. Government Measures to Address Dangerous Challenges
In January 2024, U.S. law enforcement urged retailers to sell Orbeez and water beads exclusively to adults to use in Gel Blasters. Their goal is to limit their availability to teenagers. This restriction appears to have reduced the number of incidents related to dangerous Orbeez challenges.
Final Thoughts on the Orbeez Challenge
While shooting Orbeez at strangers may seem like harmless fun, it can lead to serious legal consequences if people are hurt. Teenagers often don’t consider the long-term effects of their actions, so parents should guide them toward understanding social responsibility. By focusing on safer Orbeez challenges at home, kids can still enjoy this trend without the risks involved.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Orbeez Challenge?
+The Orbeez Challenge originally involved shooting colorful Orbeez at friends or family for fun. It has evolved into a dangerous trend where teens shoot strangers with frozen Orbeez using gel guns, causing pain and injuries.
Are Orbeez safe to play with?
+Orbeez themselves are safe for creative play. However, using them as ammunition in gel guns can cause serious injuries, especially when shot at close range, potentially leading to legal consequences if misused.
How can parents encourage safer play with Orbeez?
+Parents can set rules for safe play, such as only using Orbeez in controlled environments like the backyard and avoiding aiming at others. They should also engage in safer Orbeez challenges, like hiding objects in a pool of Orbeez to find.
Are there safer alternatives to the Orbeez Challenge?
+Yes, there are many safe alternatives. For example, you can hide small objects in a pool of Orbeez and race to find them. Such challenges are fun and can improve fine motor skills without any danger to others.
What are the risks of the Orbeez Challenge?
+The risks include causing injuries to people when shot at close range, especially in sensitive areas like the eyes or face. There is also a risk of legal consequences if someone is harmed or if property is damaged.
What should parents do if they find their child participating in the Orbeez Challenge?
+Parents should intervene immediately, explain the dangers, and discuss the legal consequences of shooting Orbeez at others. It's important to set clear boundaries and encourage safer, more responsible activities.
Can Orbeez cause permanent damage?
+While Orbeez are typically harmless in creative play, shooting them with gel guns can cause temporary pain, bruising, or eye injuries. Repeated hits or shooting at close range can increase the risk of lasting harm, especially to sensitive areas.
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