When our kids are young, we teach them about stranger danger and ensure they know vital information like their home address and how to contact us in an emergency. But as they grow older, they venture into a digital world fraught with new challenges. Just ask 13-year-old Alex Thompson from New Hampshire.
One typical afternoon, while scrolling through TikTok, Alex stumbled upon the live stream of a boy he follows. Eight hundred miles away in West Virginia, Jake Harrison was enjoying a ride on his all-terrain vehicle. The two boys share a passion for outdoor activities like hunting and fishing.
Just moments into the live feed, Alex sensed trouble. “Suddenly, his screen went dark, and I could hear him yelling for help,” Alex recounted in an interview with local news. Jake’s ATV had flipped over, pinning him down. As he struggled, he called out his grandparents’ number, the only one he could remember. That’s when Alex sprang into action. He reached out to Jake’s grandparents, and within 20 minutes, Jake’s parents were able to find him and free him from the ATV. Fortunately, he only suffered minor injuries.
“Alex acted quickly and notified adults, just like we’ve taught him,” said his stepfather, the Chief of Police in Gilmanton, NH. “We are incredibly proud of how he managed to stay calm in a scary situation.”
This isn’t the first instance where a teen has saved a life from afar. In 2020, a gamer from Texas helped a friend in England who had a seizure during an online game—showcasing the bravery we hope our children embody.
While we often hear tragic tales of kids getting hurt while live-streaming, it’s crucial for parents to equip their children with the knowledge needed to handle emergencies. Here are some tips from TeensHealth:
- Stay Calm: In any emergency, keeping a level head can lead to better decisions.
- Assess the Situation: Determine if the person can communicate and what information you may need to provide help.
- Act Quickly: If you have contact information for the individual’s parents or guardians, reach out immediately. If that’s not possible, don’t hesitate to call 911.
- Gather Details: When communicating with emergency services, provide as much information as possible about the situation.
- Get Help from Trusted Adults: In stressful situations, having an adult to support you can make a significant difference.
Today’s youth spend up to seven hours a day on screens, according to a 2019 CNN report—an amount that likely increased during the pandemic. While we want them to enjoy their time online, we also need to be aware of the potential risks.
In a troubling incident from January 2021, four girls in Louisiana were charged with murder after a violent crime streamed on social media, highlighting the urgent need for awareness and proactive parenting.
As parents, we must encourage our children to be proactive rather than passive in emergencies. It’s never too much to call for help; the faster assistance arrives, the better the outcome. Teaching kids to stay calm and act swiftly can help them become quick-thinking adults.
For more on this topic, check out our post on home insemination and learn more about the importance of being prepared during emergencies.
If you’re exploring options for starting a family, consider resources from Make a Mom for at-home insemination kits. Additionally, the Cleveland Clinic’s podcast on IVF and fertility preservation is a valuable listen.
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In summary, this story highlights the importance of teaching our children how to respond in emergencies, especially in an increasingly digital world. By fostering a sense of responsibility and quick action, we prepare them to navigate challenges effectively.
Keyphrase: TikTok teen rescues friend
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