'Skull Breaker Challenge': The Viral Video Parents And Doctors Warn You About

The Internet is a melting pot of anything and everything that could go viral. From simple dance moves to pranks to anything in between, these videos, however innocent-looking it may be, will eventually have its consequences.

A new TikTok video called the “Skull Breaker Challenge” is raising concerns among parents and doctors after realizing that the viral video could potentially be dangerous, up to the point that it could be deadly.

Originated in Spain, the challenge went viral not only because it was easy, but it looked harmless, too. The “Skull Breaker Challenge” involves three individuals standing next to each other in a row before standing straight up. But while the middle person is in mid-air, the two on each side will kick inward, knocking the middle person off balance. That person will most likely to fall, hit his or her head on the ground.

This is where the danger of the “Skull Breaker Challenge” comes in. Victims of this prank have suffered injuries to their head, neck and wrist and, according to Yahoo Lifestyle, at least two children in the United States have been hospitalized after attempting to redo the challenge.

Fox News also reported on the case of Valerie Hodson after his son became one of the rising number of victims of this “malicious cruel viral prank.” She said in a Facebook post that her son was asked to do a “jumping contest” when two of his “friends” kicked him as hard as they could.

As a result, Valerie's son landed hard on his back and head. As he struggled to stand up, he lost consciousness and fell face first. Valerie's son was hospitalized due to head injuries and needed stitches to close the wound on his face.

Days later, another mom took to the social media site and posted the same warning. His son also fell for the prank and suffered two broken bones on his wrist.

With injuries such as these, Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center physician Dr. Nathan Richards told Yahoo Lifestyle that the “Skull Breaker Challenge” could prove to be fatal.

“It can be associated with a variety of serious and even life-threatening injuries including, but not limited to, bruising, hematoma, skull fracture, neck strain, neck fracture, concussion and long term complications of concussion, bleeding in or around the brain, loss of consciousness, paralysis and death,” he said.

At the same time, psychologist Sabrina Sykes, PhD of the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center explained in a blog post that participating in viral videos such as these offer instant popularity among young adults. Uploading them will, in turn, churn out “likes,” add more “followers” and, to some extent, become the talk of the town.

“This means teens are highly motivated to engage in socially rewarding behavior and gravitate toward thrill-seeking, without focusing on potential risks or consequences,” she said.