Don’t join the TikTok egg cracking trend, doctors warn

In the ever-evolving landscape of viral challenges on TikTok, the latest sensation involves a seemingly innocent yet contentious prank – the TikTok egg cracking trend. This craze has stormed the platform, with more than 670.7 million views under its hashtag (#eggprank).

While it elicits laughter from some, concerns from others, including medical experts, are cracking its shell of humor.

@srtdubzz

Jio was not playin 😂 #eggcrackchallenge #eggcracking #fyp

♬ original sound – Srtdubzz

TikTok egg cracking trend

The essence of the trend lies in parents recording themselves cracking raw eggs on their toddlers’ heads. The setup often takes place in kitchens, where a parent playfully convinces their child that an egg is about to be cracked – only to opt for the child’s noggin instead of the traditional pan or bowl. The reactions from the little ones range from tears to shock, with some retaliating by egging their parents back.

On the surface, this appears to be harmless fun, a slice of lighthearted parenting escapades. Yet, there’s an undercurrent of concern in the depths of the comment sections and video stitches. Many TikTok users have expressed worry that these videos may hurt or humiliate the children involved.

Medical professionals have also raised their voices against the egg-cracking prank. Dr. Meghan Martin, a pediatric emergency medical physician at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, voiced her skepticism. While she doesn’t perceive malice in the parents’ intent, she highlighted potential short-term repercussions such as bruising and germ transmission from the eggs. Dr. Martin particularly emphasized the dangers of raw egg yolk, drawing attention to the risks of salmonella and food poisoning.

“We’re literally smacking salmonella on their foreheads,” she said. “It’s harder to get a toddler to drink fluids when they’ve got a stomach bug or food poisoning, and so they’re more likely to end up in the hospital for IV fluids.”

The origin of TikTok egg cracking remains elusive, with sporadic viral videos dating back a few months. What began as a prank among adults swiftly translated into a juvenile version involving toddlers. Despite medical warnings, some parents have endorsed the prank as an innocuous memory-making activity. Erisa Mullai, a mother of four, noted that their family indulged in the prank, creating a shared memory and laughter.

However, experts like Amanda Mathers, a pediatric occupational therapist, are wary of the broader implications. Mathers conducted a personal experiment, attempting to crack an egg on her own forehead. Her findings illustrated the force required, implying potential harm to young children. She expressed concern about toddlers witnessing their parents seemingly causing harm intentionally, fearing that this might normalize harmful behaviors.

@yourpediatricot

I know as parents you never want to harm your child. This post is meant to educate, for wny parwnts who were wanting to try this, or tor parents who already did this rrend and fan go back wnd have a conversation with their child about what happened. ••• Toddlers brains at this age don’t yet fully comprehend jokes like this and although they may laugh… their brain is thinking “WHAT THE HECK?!” ••• Skip this trend parents, it’ll save you in the long run 🤍 #eggcrackchallenge #eggcrackprank #eggcrackreaction #emotionalintelligence #raisingconfidentchildren #raisingkids #donttrythisathome #pediatricot

♬ Gentle and warm background piano(1262846) – Noru

Rebecca Burger-Caplan, a clinical director at Mount Sinai Hospital, took a more balanced stance. She acknowledged that a single instance of the egg prank might not inflict lasting damage on a child, yet it poses questions about consistency in parenting and setting expectations.

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Final thoughts: The cracked reality

TikTok egg cracking trend encapsulates the challenge of balancing entertainment and child welfare. While it sparks laughter, it also stirs discussions about the line between fun and potential harm.

@mackenziebarmen

I want a divorce #eggchallenge #eggcrackchallenge #comedy #sketch #sketchcomedy

♬ where is my mind (piano version) – your movie soundtrack

As we navigate this digital age, headlines, and hashtags should remind us that trends can be both captivating and complex, leaving us to ponder their impact on the young minds they touch.

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• Source: https://dataconomy.com/2023/08/25/tiktok-egg-cracking-trend/