Latest TikTok Trend Promotes Child Abuse by Parents, Many Say
By Movieguide® Contributor
The “Egg Challenge,” the latest TikTok trend, reveals how media influences parents into making decisions that harm their children.
For the trend, parents film themselves baking or cooking with their children, TODAY reports. “Instead of cracking a raw egg into a bowl, parents smash it onto their unsuspecting child’s head or forehead. Some children have burst into tears, hit their parents back or giggled in delight.”
While many viewers find the challenge funny, others consider it child abuse and exploitation just to get more likes on social media.
Popular TikToker Sarah, known as “mom.uncharted,” is dedicated to exposing child exploitation.
“I’ve been tagged in a few of these videos, and I’ve seen it go two ways. One, the kid gets the egg on the head, and they’re kind of confused, thrown off, thinks it’s a little funny. Then they move on. Or, they get the egg cracked on the head, and they’re really upset about it, and they freak out,” she shared.
“[Are we] needing to post on the internet so bad because it is so consuming to be a part of our world? And the dopamine hit, and the likes and views, that we now in 2023 are cracking eggs on our children’s heads in hopes that they have an entertaining reaction that we can post publicly online to entertain strangers?” she asked. “What are we doing? Why are we doing this?”
Sarah isn’t the first to make such comments.
“We abuse our kids for likes? So sad,” someone commented.
“She looked up at you so lovingly and sweet and innocent and that will be the last time you’ll see that look,” another person said.
Another user stated, ‘It’s humiliating and looks painful.”
However, others suggest that the challenge can work, depending on family dynamics.
Aaron Zapata said, “We are a ‘prank’ family. You never know if someone is hiding behind a door ready to jump out and scare you.”
“It’s not for me to judge what others think, but know my children better than anyone else in the world and if I thought this prank caused long-term damage, I wouldn’t have done it,” he added.
For most children, though, this challenge could damage their relationship with their parents for a long time.
“Please don’t be your child’s first bully,” Motherly states. “Because that’s exactly what this is—bullying. For the sake of content. It’s not only not funny (really, there are SO many ways to make funny and validating content for parents—this isn’t it), but it’s not at all OK.”
Children innately trust their parents. Challenges like this do not honor that trust and instead serve the parents’ desire to go viral on social media over the needs of kids.
Movieguide® previously reported on another potentially harmful TikTok trend:
“Fairy Flying,” the latest viral TikTok trend, is sparking concern due to its eerie resemblance to self-harm and suicide.
“Searching for #fairyflying on TikTok leads to videos featuring disturbing imagery many compare to fake ‘suicide-by-hanging’ videos that seemingly show lifeless, headless bodies swaying in the air,” New York Post recently shared.
One TikTok user posted an 11-second clip where she appeared to be floating in the air, although it is actually an illusion accomplished by standing on a dresser. The video racked up over 3 million views, with many comments from concerned onlookers.
“These videos are shot in a specific manner, giving the illusion that the bodies are hanging in the air. However, the reality is that they are standing on a dresser while their Crocs hang onto a wardrobe,” NDTV.com shared.
Although the people in the videos are not actually hanging, experts are concerned about how much this trend resembles a person attempting suicide.
Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
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Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
