Following a popular viral trend, TikTok content creators have started dropping heavy objects on their feet.
TikTok's safety policy prohibits the promotion of violence and other harmful content, but this often does not stop the spread of dangerous viral trends.
A podiatrist has expressed concern over a “disturbing” TikTok trend that encourages people to drop heavy objects on their feet.
Using the hashtag #droppingthingsonmyfoot, hundreds of users shared videos of themselves dropping various heavy objects on their feet, including a deep fryer, a vacuum cleaner, a glass pitcher and a wooden table.
The authors then rate how much pain each item causes.
One of the participants is Luke Pilling, from Bolton, who has racked up more than a million views after posting a video of himself jumping around the room in pain after dropping a candlestick, frying pan, dartboard, deep fryer and computer monitor on his feet.
To grow his platform, Pilling continued to post even more shocking content.
In one of his videos, which has garnered four million views, he hits himself on the shin with various objects and shows his bruise at the end of the video.
@lukepilldog Mixing #fyp #mentalhealth ♬ original sound – lukepilldog
Dr Benjamin Bullen, a lecturer in podiatry at Galway University, believes the trend could have long-term consequences.
He told PA: “I find the viral #droppingthingsonmyfeet trend on TikTok alarming and urge readers not to take part in this dangerous challenge.
“This tendency, which encourages participants to drop sharp and increasingly heavy household objects on their feet, may have a high risk of causing foot injuries.
“TikTok is especially popular among young people, who could be putting themselves at risk of lifelong pain and disability if they cause serious damage to the nerves, bones and joints in their legs.”
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Pilling noted that the trend is popular because people enjoy watching others suffer, but urged caution with heavy objects.
However, he said the video of him dropping a drill on his foot was removed for violating TikTok's community guidelines.
Pilling told PA: “I think it's funny when you're going to drop something that might cause moderate pain, but if it's actually going to cause injury and take resources away from the NHS then it's too much.”
In another video, Pilling reacts to media coverage of his videos as dangerous. Under the video, a user commented: “Any publicity is good publicity.”
Manchester-based Rhys Brierley, who is looking to monetise some of his content, said he had posted several videos about the trend as it attracted more people to his page.
He told PA: “If you follow a person, you follow them and their personality.
“If you're just being yourself when things go wrong and your reactions are pretty funny and people like that, then they'll just follow the trend of you and your reactions.”
While he admits the trend is “pretty stupid,” he believes people will do it more often if they can monetize the content.
To help keep children safe online, parents are encouraged to monitor their children's TikTok usage and become familiar with the app's built-in safety measures, such as TikTok Family Pairing.
Sourse: www.express.co.uk
