‘This trend has the potential to end in absolute tragedy’: The new social media challenge that has authorities issuing stark warnings
Warning issued as new social media challenge gains traction
- A dangerous social media trend, the “door-kick challenge,” involves individuals aggressively kicking doors, often causing damage, and uploading videos online.
- Authorities and online safety experts are warning parents that this prank could lead to severe consequences, including serious injury, death, or felony charges for participants.
- Law enforcement officials, particularly in states with “Castle doctrine” laws, caution that homeowners might mistake the prank for a home invasion and respond with deadly force.
- Incidents have been reported across several US states, with examples including significant property damage and two Florida teenagers facing felony burglary charges.
- Experts highlight that social media platforms incentivise dangerous content for “clout,” normalising such pranks, and note that similar past trends have resulted in tragic fatalities.