by Dennis Harter and Sally Plomley
Every now and then “challenges” are shared online that go viral. Sometimes these are for positive causes, but occasionally, they involve risky behavior that adolescents might latch onto. It has come to our attention that some ISB students have been trying the “Salt and Ice Challenge”.
This is a social media challenge where people video themselves to see how long they can tolerate the pain of putting salt and ice on their skin. They then upload the video. The challenge was first circulated on the internet about 5 years ago and it has recently resurfaced.
The combination of salt and ice causes cold thermal burns that can lead to second to third degree burns due to the anaesthetic effect of the ice and potential nerve damage from the burn. This could lead to permanent scarring and the need for medical interventions to heal the burn. Typically participants apply the ice to their hands and forearms, but can apply it anywhere on their bodies.
If any students present to the Health Clinic with suspicious wounds, the nurses will contact their counsellor to discuss this with the student and their parents.
We ask all parents to discuss the potential dangers of participating in the Salt and Ice Challenge as well as any other “challenge” they may see on the internet.
Here are some links about the Salt and Ice Challenge, for more information: