By skyforbes 
How Parents and Guardians Can Protect Kids from Dangerous Viral Trends Before It’s Too Late
Imagine thinking a viral TikTok challenge is fun and suddenly, your child’s shirt is on fire. That’s exactly what happened to 12 year old Caden Ballard from Texas and it’s a terrifying reminder of how dangerous online trends can be.
What Happened
Caden attempted a TikTok “fire experiment” involving a glass bottle filled with rubbing alcohol.
The goal? A harmless looking trick. The reality? Invisible flames ignited his shirt, causing severe second- and third-degree burns.
Luckily, his older brother acted fast and ripped off the burning shirt – likely saving Caden’s life. But the road to recovery is long, involving surgeries and skin grafts.
Why This Matters
Stories like this aren’t just shocking they’re a wake up call.
Kids and teens are spending hours online, exposed to trends that seem harmless but can escalate into life-threatening situations in seconds.
Parents, educators, and guardians need to understand that viral doesn’t mean safe.