The Alameda Police Department (APD) is advising parents to educate their children about the potential dangers and consequences of participating in viral internet challenges, particularly those that could pose a risk to their safety or the safety of others.
Since this summer, the APD has responded to numerous incidents of random individuals being shot with BB guns or gel pellets. The police believe that these BB gun shootings may be linked to social media videos that encourage shooting at strangers. According to police reports, in some cases, the toys are being modified to appear more realistic.
“These incidents seem to be occurring between the afternoon and early evening hours. While these bystanders were not seriously injured, other law enforcement agencies have reported pellets striking victims in the eyes and causing other injuries,” APD wrote.
This recent spate of potentially dangerous incidents underscores the importance of careful oversight of children’s online activities and stresses the need for open conversations about responsible internet use. Viral trends and challenges may seem harmless, but they can sometimes result in real-world harm and legal consequences.