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Parents urged to warn kids against deadly ‘Hot Water Challenge’

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Long after the end of the Ice Bucket Challenge, a new trend is sweeping in.

But the latter is far more dangerous than having a bucket of cold water poured over one’s head – and parents are being urged to discourage their kids from participating in it.

The Hot Water Challenge is a ‘game’ that involves pouring boiling water on unsuspecting children or daring the individual to drink boiling water through a straw.

The deadly ‘game’ has already left one dead and two other’s severely burned.

Ki’ari Pope (8) died in late July, months after a dare from her cousin to drink boiling water through a straw left her throat and mouth severely burned.

The little girl, from Florida in the United States, had to receive a tracheotomy but died after a shortage of breath left her unconscious.

Wesley Smith, a 10-year-old boy from North Carolina, sustained terrible injuries after he attempted the game with his step-brother.

But most recently, an 11-year-old girl from New York made headlines when her friends poured piping hot water over her face while she was asleep.

The incident took place on Monday and a 12-year-old girl has been arrested for allegedly pouring the water on Jamoneisha Merritt.

According to reports, Jamoneisha was so badly burned, doctors have decided to not show her the injuries she’s sustained.

“I think the only reason why she in good spirits is because she didn’t actually see the damage done to her,” her uncle, Eugene Dalmida (52) told The Post.

“They aren’t letting her see her face. I can’t bear to look at her. It gets me too upset.”

Meanwhile, the other victims’ parents and family members have pressed parents to warn their children of the dangers of the life-threatening game.

“Parents, talk to your kids about these challenges,” Diane Johnson, an aunt of Ki’ari Pope said. “Don’t just give them your phone and let them go by. Watch what they are doing.”

Sources: times.com, nypost.com

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