The deodorant challenge is the latest teen viral trend. To participate, students spray their bare skin (or someone else’s) with aerosol deodorant for as long as they can stand it.

Parent & educator training video

What is the Deodorant Challenge?

• The deodorant challenge is the latest popular teen social media trend
• To participate, students spray their bare skin (or someone else’s) with aerosol deodorant for as long as they can stand it
• The aerosol deodorant causes a reaction similar to frostbite or a burn
• This trend has been around for about a decade and has been referred to in the past as “frosting”
• Although the trend isn’t new, it is seeing an uptick in popularity. Especially in the UK
• Social media fuels challenges like these because they can gain a lot of attention for the person partaking in the challenge and they aren’t tied to a specific school or region

The Deodorant Challenge in the news:

[The Deodorant Challenge] is leaving kids with burns so severe some require hospitalization. –US News

A mom has issued a chilling warning over a new playground challenge after the game left her daughter with second-degree burns. –New York Post

One study found that spraying deodorant 5 cm from the skin for only 15 seconds can cause the skin’s temperature to drop by more than 60 degrees Celsius (140 degrees Fahrenheit). That drop in temperature can in turn cause frostbite. –Bustle

What parents say about the Deodorant Challenge:

[The Deodorant Challenge] really needs to be made as public as possible. It's just horrendous and needs stopping. For any parents who have children, please, please sit them down and show them these pictures.....These are the damaging results of something known as 'The Deodorant Challenge' which is currently doing the rounds

My nephew was doing this when he started secondary school. It’s it so ridiculous, why are the teachers not aware of this?

My son did this [and is] now suffering the consequences. Totally unaware of this at first, a very upsetting experience for all us.

I’m 25 and I did this years ago when I was at school. Thought it was all fun and games. But nope, now I’m left with a big scar.

Sources: US News, Yahoo News, Huffington Post

Why should parents care?

• This challenge can be very dangerous and result in hospitalization
• Knowing about social media challenges and trends before your teen does can help you keep them safe before an incident occurs
• The deodorant challenge is painful, can have a lasting impact, and causes scarring
• Recently, a parent reported that their student (who participated in the challenge) had burns so severe they might have to get a skin graft
• Dermatologists warn that the damage caused by the deodorant challenge could increase the risk of skin cancer down the road

What can parents do?

• Talk to your children about the deodorant challenge and explain the serious health repercussions associated with it
• Monitor your student’s digital footprint to see if they are watching, liking, or creating posts about the challenge
• Consider contacting your teen's school. If your child has engaged with anything like the deodorant challenge, other students might be engaging with it too
• Urge your child to report any misbehavior they encounter online and on social media
• Teach your teen that they don’t need to do what everyone else is doing and to use judgment when fads like this arise. Especially if the trend hurts themselves or others

What should parents do if their child has already participated in the Deodorant Challenge?

According to health experts:

• Pay attention to see if your student has any burns
• Consult a doctor immediately if your student participates in this challenge