The Latest in Teenage Stupidity – The Cinnamon Challenge

By Child Safety Specialist March 20, 2012 | 02:00 pm
Posted in: Family

Over the years of being a child safety expert I’ve come to realize that teens will try just about anything for a quick high or a dare.The latest to add to this list is The Cinnamon Challenge.It’s been around for many years but now a new generation has caught on to it and doctors have brought it to parent’s attention.

Essentially The Cinnamon Challenge involves teens trying to swallow a tablespoon full of cinnamon in 60 seconds without drinking water.It causes “dragon breath” as it burns incredibly and can cause the person doing it to blow out a cloud of cinnamon dust that looks like smoke.It also usually causes a lot of coughing, gagging and vomiting.It can also cause serious medical issues as it has the potential of burning the lungs and causing long term damage.

While no one has died from it, there are serious health issues.A young girl from Michigan was hospitalized for four days because of The Cinnamon Challenge.There are other cases where kids needed ventilators because they couldn’t breathe.

Unfortunately – and incredibly – it’s not just teens doing this.Two NBA players attempted the Cinnamon Challenge and even the Governor of Illinois tried it on a radio show.Great role models.There are tons of YouTube videos showing kids trying it and even a website dedicated to it.

Parents, to protect your kids make sure your school has gotten the word out and make sure you talk to your teens about this as well.

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