The so called 'salt and ice challenge' is the new craze but it
comes with a good degree of pain as shown by these
pictures. It involves youngsters placing salt and ice on their
skin, causing a chemical reaction that reduces the
temperature of the ice to as low as -17C.
Participants then see who can withstand the searing pain
longest before sharing photos of the resulting burns, similar
to frostbite, online.
The UK's National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to
Children has stepped in to warn parents and guardians of the
danger inherent in the craze after some teenagers were
reportedly been taken to hospital with third degree burns.
The challenge went viral in American schools years ago but is
seeing a resurgence in Britain. West Yorkshire Police Chief
Constable Dee Collins also issued a warning on Twitter,
writing: 'Please warn your children and those you know not to
take part in this dangerous challenge.'
One mother, from Swansea, said her son had been left with
permanent nerve damage in his hands while another mother
from Fife, said her daughter had been left permanently
scarred by her salt and ice challenge burns.
An NSPCC spokesman said:
'It’s important for schools keep a close eye on all
emerging trends and we welcome the police’s warning
to head teachers.
'The rise of social media has contributed to increasing
peer pressure amongst children and this "craze" is
another clear example of the risks.
'The NSPCC publishes advice and guidance for
parents on discussing online safety with their children,
as well as Net Aware – the UK’s only parental guide
to social media and gaming apps.'
