Police in Ireland are warning parents about a dangerous new social media challenge. The so-called “ghosting trend” reportedly has social media users lying down in roads to try and stop traffic. According to authorities, one teenage girl has already been injured in the viral trend.
Ireland’s national police service, An Garda Síochána, released a statement on Monday, December 10 warning parents about the hazardous new trend.
Gardaí are aware of a social media trend circulating online called ‘ghosting’, where persons to lie on a roadway and attempt to stop oncoming traffic. This activity is extremely irresponsible and poses a serious danger to those taking part and motorists: https://t.co/wtQ28wvmdU pic.twitter.com/5MTNxVhv3v
— Garda Info (@gardainfo) December 14, 2020
“[We] have been made aware of a social media trend circulating online called ‘ghosting,’ the department’s statement read. “This ongoing trend challenges persons to lie on a roadway with a sheet placed over them in an attempt to stop oncoming traffic. This activity is extremely irresponsible and poses a serious danger to those taking part in the ‘ghosting’ and motorists.”
Injured In the Ghosting Challenge
The statement described a recent incident in Ireland’s southern region, where a teenage girl was injured doing the “ghosting” challenge in the town of Limerick.
“Emergency services escorted the youth to hospital where she is being treated for injuries sustained to her back, torso and ankle,” the statement read. “She was admitted to hospital for a number of days.”
It’s unclear how the challenge originated, or whether it is related to the similar “ghost photoshoot” challenge. While that viral trend generated controversy for possible allusions to the Ku Klux Klan, authorities are protesting this “ghosting” challenge on grounds of physical safety.
Photo: YouTube
Irish legislator Emer Higgins condemned the trend, which she said is on the rise within the country.
“Make no mistake – this challenge will cost lives,” Higgins said. “I implore young people to think twice before ghosting cars, cyclists and other road users. As well as leaving themselves at risk of being knocked themselves at risk of being knocked down, they could cause a car to hit another car or vulnerable road user.”
Higgins wished the unidentified teen victim a speedy recovery before urging teachers to emphasize road safety to their young students.
“Ahead of the school Christmas break there may also be an opportunity for a discussion on road safety in the classroom and I encourage teachers to take up these issues with young people to start the discussion,” she said.
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Ghosting Trend — Sources
An Garda Síochána
Independent
Limerick Leader
Top Image: Shutterstock (used for illustrative purposes only)