CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — A North Carolina mother is warning parents and teens after her 16-year-old son was burned while performing a social media challenge.
Holli Dark’s son, Mason, is recovering in the UNC Hospitals Burn Clinic, according to Channel 9′s affiliate WTVD. Holli said her son used a bottle of spray paint and a lighter to make a flamethrower, which was part of a Tik-Tok challenge.
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“Don’t try these things,” Holli said. “Don’t, don’t, don’t do it. It’s not worth it.”
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Mason has 80% burns on his body. Holli now wants other parents to be aware of similar challenges and take a role in monitoring their kids’ social media.
“Guys, it’s not worth it. You know kids doing crazy things. It takes one second for it to not go right for you.”
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According to a GoFundMe set up by the family, Dark jumped into a river to put the flames out, which increases his risk for infection.
Dark is currently being treated at the UNC Burn Center in Chapel Hill, which is one of the top burn clinics in the nation.
The family said he has also developed pneumonia.
Holli told WTVD her son is making progress in the hospital.
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