Tiffany Roper is warning about the dangers of social media after her son, Corey, suffered severe burns all over his body during a TikTok challenge gone wrong. The incident occurred in Tucson last August, just days after Corey turned 12. Tiffany awoke to her son’s bloodcurdling scream and found him on fire in his bedroom. She and her daughter immediately sprang into action, soaking Corey with water until paramedics arrived. Doctors later said that if it weren’t for their quick response, Corey might not have survived.
Corey had been attempting the viral “fireball challenge,” where rubbing alcohol is ignited to create a makeshift molotov cocktail. Despite the dangerous nature of the challenge, Corey had seen numerous videos of kids attempting it on TikTok. He sustained second and third-degree burns over almost half of his body and had to undergo multiple surgeries and skin grafts. After being in an induced coma for two weeks, Corey had to relearn many basic skills, including walking, before being discharged from the hospital.
Tiffany hopes that Corey’s accident will serve as a warning to other parents about the dangers of online challenges and the importance of monitoring their children’s internet activity. She stresses the need to report any inappropriate content and educate kids about the potential consequences of participating in such challenges. Unfortunately, Corey is not the only child to have suffered serious injuries while attempting dangerous stunts on camera. A 12-year-old boy in Connecticut was also severely burned during a similar challenge, prompting calls for action from lawmakers.
In response to these incidents, TikTok has stated that videos without visible safety measures will be removed from the platform. The company also aims to add caution labels to videos performed in controlled settings to prevent them from being recommended on users’ feeds. While some challenges may have innocent origins, they can quickly become dangerous when attempted without proper precautions. It is essential for parents to educate their children about online safety and monitor their activity to prevent them from encountering harmful content.
Corey’s journey to recovery has been challenging, but he is now back at school and making progress in his rehabilitation. He continues to undergo therapy and procedures to improve his mobility and aid in his recovery. Despite the physical and emotional toll of the accident, Corey remains positive and determined to overcome the challenges he faces. Tiffany is grateful that her son survived the ordeal and hopes that by sharing their story, they can prevent others from experiencing similar tragedies.
As Corey continues to heal and adjust to life after the accident, Tiffany remains vigilant in advocating for online safety and raising awareness about the risks of participating in dangerous challenges. She encourages parents to have open conversations with their children about the dangers of social media and to intervene if they suspect any harmful behavior. By working together to educate and protect young people, we can prevent future accidents and ensure a safer online environment for all users.
