Aussie doctors issue warning following spate of kids' burns from Squid Game honeycomb challenge
Surgeons from The Children's Hospital at Westmead are urging parents to be cautious of a dangerous new TikTok trend inspired by Netflix's hit show Squid Game.
In the last month, three children have presented at the hospital with mild to serious burns after trying to make the well-known homemade honeycomb featured in the series.
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Tiktok
The TikTok honeycomb challenge involves carving a shape out of the mixture using a fine needle, and without breaking it. Tiktok
In the show, the challenge involves carving a shape into the honeycomb without breaking it.
According to the hospital, all three burns occurred while children attempted to melt the hot sugar for the honeycomb and transfer the mixture to baking paper.
Some of the burns were mild scalds, but others resulted in nerve damage, but the hospital says all injuries will require ongoing treatment.
Dr Erik La Hei, Acting Head of the Burns Unit, warned parents of the significant burn risk the challenge poses.
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To make the honeycomb, the sugar is heated to a temperature higher than boiling water. Netflix
"Sugar melts at a temperature that is higher than what's needed to boil water, so the honeycomb toffee mix is both hotter and stickier," he explains.
"If the mixture is spilt or handled while it's still hot, the greater heat and longer contact time causes deeper, more serious burns."
Dr La Hei added: "It is absolutely vital if an accident like this does occur, parents and children know the right first aid steps to take."
One of the children who presented with burns was 14-year-old Aiden, who sustained burns to his hand and deep burns and nerve damage to his leg while attempting to do the challenge.
On day 17 of his recovery, Aiden's burns are still incredibly raw. The Children's Hospital at Westmead
"It's shocking that such a simple act, like making honeycomb, could have such serious consequences," Aiden's mum Helena says.
Dr La Hei says Aiden's burns were so severe, surgeons thought he might require a skin graft.
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"Thankfully they are healing well on their own, but he will spend the next year in a pressure bandage so it's still a long journey ahead," he says.
Overall, surgeons are sending an important message to children and parents on how to avoid such painful and distressing episodes in the kitchen.
"We don't want to discourage teenagers from cooking, it is a fun activity. But we do want to ensure they do this safely, especially when handling hot liquids. This means cooking with either the supervision, or help, of an adult," Dr La Hei advises.
The Children's Hospital advises that if a child is burnt, immediate first aid is crucial to reduce the severity of the injury.
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Their advice for providing first aid for a burn includes:
- Placing the burn under cool running water for 20 minutes. This will cool the burn and reduce swelling.
- Removing any clothing or jewellery where possible.
- Seeking medical help if the burn is bigger than a 20-cent piece, or if you have any concerns.
For more information on burns prevention and first aid, visit the hospital's Kids Health website.
