Latest Social Media Challenge Puts Students at Risk of Electrical Shock

June 13, 2025

The Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) is warning Ontarians that a shocking new social media trend is putting students at risk of serious electrical injury including shock, burns or even fires. A pair of dangerous social media trends have been gaining interest from students. One has kids “challenging” each other to stick a paper clip in an electrical outlet and drop a coin on it to cause sparks; the other involves putting a paper clip in a laptop port to cause it to short circuit. Despite the electrical damage caused by their actions, social media users continue to put themselves and others at immediate risk for injury or fatality. 

“It’s concerning seeing these social media trends gaining interest among students in Ontario, putting themselves and others at immediate risk of injury,” says Patience Cathcart, Director of Data Science and Public Safety Officer, Electrical Safety Authority. “Electricity is unforgiving, and an electrical shock can have significant and long-term effects.” 

Every year in Ontario, over 100 children, aged 15 and under, present at Ontario’s emergency departments because of a preventable electrical injury. Research shows that even low-voltage shocks can cause lasting effects including the feeling of pins and needles, numbness, memory loss or anxiety. 

“Our mandate is to keep Ontarians safe from electrical harm in all settings,” says Cathcart. “This type of online promotion of dangerous behaviour creates a real safety risk for both participants and others.” 

ESA encourages parents to have conversations about electrical safety and safe electrical use both in the home and public settings. No shock is a safe shock. 

To learn more about electrical safety, visit ESAsafe.com.

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