Challenges are all fun and games until they turn toxic and start creating problems for civilians.
TikTok is well-known for all of its continuous trends and challenges that people share through video.
However, there is one challenge that has recently spread across the internet, and many are participating in it without realizing that it can cause significant harm.
You’ve probably seen this challenge where folks shoot random bystanders passing through. To be clear, this isn’t a real shooting game; it’s Orbeez ball.
But, even if you think it’s not a huge concern, you might be misunderstood in this. You should at least be aware of it because it’s not something you should dabble with. Let’s get further with that.
What Is Orbeez Challenge? Let’s Explore It
Before we get into the incidents, let’s go through the basics of this challenge. You’ve probably heard of the word ‘Orbeez’ by now.
Orbeez is tiny, absorbent beads that, when soaked in water, expand into squishy, bouncy balls. But this time there are no bouncing balls to amuse with.
Individuals in this challenge shoot strangers with Orbeez balls and then record the results. They all chuckle in these videos, which they then share on TikTok.
And what’s more, it appears that other people are having a good time with it. It’s kind of amusing for everyone when they record strangers falling victim to this challenge.
According to cops in Fernandina Beach, Fla., the new trend is motivating people to shoot the soft gel Orbeez balls at bystanders with a gel-ball weapon or an airsoft gun.
If you believe the Orbeez balls don’t hurt, guess again. Because there have been a number of complaints.
The Manufacturer Of Orbeez Stated Something About It
Now that these activities are messing things up for others, the manufacturer of Orbeez has made a statement about it.
They explained that these Orbeez were intended for educational and creative purposes only, and should not be used to cause harm to others. The statement is as follows.
“Children’s product safety is paramount at Spin Master, and we are committed to providing children and their families with the highest quality toys, games, and activities. Spin Master does not manufacture or sell gel guns.
Orbeez is designed for educational, creative, and sensory play and is not intended to be used as projectiles or inserted in mechanisms.”
Orbeez Challenge Turned Into A Dangerous Thing
You are aware that incidents occurred, but let us go over them in considerable depth. Images of people who have been harmed as a result of these hazardous challenges are circulating on Facebook.
There was this bleeding young boy with Orbeez ball injuries all over his body. Can you imagine how deadly this challenge is turning out to be relying on the image of the boy completely covered in blood?
The department wrote, “As you can see from the attached photos from an incident [Monday] on the cart path, these can be very painful and can cause permanent injury.”
There was yet another incident that occurred recently.
According to the sheriff’s office, one incident included a mother wheeling a child in a stroller who “was the victim of a drive-by Orbeez shooting.”
Per the Volusia Sheriff’s Office, a 19-year-old teenager was detained last Thursday in Deltona, Florida, for allegedly firing Orbeez at an Amazon delivery person.
The youngster is accused of “hitting him in the glasses and neck while he was driving his route.” Look at the tweet below.
Video:
(a) a drive-by Orbeez shooting at a woman pushing a child in a stroller. @PortOrange_PD is investigating
(b) last week’s Orbeez shooting of an Amazon driver in @CityofDeltona
(c) a car crash Monday in Deltona involving several kids shooting pellets at each other 🤦 pic.twitter.com/wf14XA6tJt
— Volusia Sheriff (@VolusiaSheriff) March 16, 2022
Don’t you think that things are getting out of hand?
The Cops Are Takings Serious Actions Against This Challenge
Now that things have gotten out of hand, the cops have mentioned taking action against those who cause harm to others.
Anyone found firing the guns at another person on city grounds will very certainly face charges, according to the agency.
The department’s statement included, “In some cases, it could result in felony charges and parents could also be liable for the actions of their kids. Even just shooting these on city property (not at another person) is a violation of city ordinance.”
It’s been reported that videos of the "Orbeez Challenge" have been circulating on TikTok during Spring Break. Just be aware that these shootings are crimes, and when you’re identified you may face criminal charges for your part in the challenge.
— Volusia Sheriff (@VolusiaSheriff) March 16, 2022
What are your thoughts on this dangerous trend that has been circulating on the internet?
Don’t forget to let us know in the comment section below. And be wary of such trends, because we no longer find them humorous.
