Ohio Teen Dies After Benadryl Challenge on TikTok

A 13-year-old boy in Ohio died after participating in a dangerous online trend known as the “Benadryl Challenge,” according to reports from CNN and its affiliate WSYX. Jacob Stevens ingested a large quantity of the over-the-counter antihistamine, Benadryl, while attempting the TikTok-fueled challenge with friends at home, and was on a ventilator for nearly a week before succumbing to the overdose.

The “Benadryl Challenge,” which resurfaces periodically on social media, encourages users to consume excessive amounts of diphenhydramine – the active ingredient in Benadryl – in an attempt to induce hallucinations. The FDA issued a warning about the challenge as early as 2020, citing the potential for “serious heart problems, seizures, coma, or even death.” The agency’s 2020 warning detailed its efforts to have TikTok remove videos promoting the dangerous practice.

A Recurring Danger on Social Media

This isn’t the first time the “Benadryl Challenge” has led to tragedy. In April 2023, just days before Jacob Stevens’ death, a similar incident in Ohio involved a 13-year-old boy who died after taking 12 to 14 Benadryl pills. The challenge has been circulating since at least 2020, with reports of hospitalizations as early as May of that year when Cook Children’s Hospital in Fort Worth, Texas, admitted three teenagers who had attempted the challenge. A 15-year-old girl in Oklahoma as well died in August 2020 after taking a lethal dose of the medication, spurred by videos on TikTok.

TikTok has responded to the renewed attention on the challenge, stating to CNN, “Our deepest sympathies go out to the family. At TikTok, we strictly prohibit and remove content that promotes dangerous behavior with the safety of our community as a priority. We have never seen this type of content trend on our platform and have blocked searches for years to help discourage copycat behavior. Our team of 40,000 safety professionals works to remove violations of our Community Guidelines and we encourage our community to report any content or accounts they’re concerned about.”

Beyond TikTok: The Broader Context of Social Media Challenges

The Benadryl Challenge is just one example of a dangerous trend that has gained traction on social media platforms. The “Blue Whale Challenge,” which emerged several years ago, involved a series of increasingly risky tasks culminating in self-harm, and sparked widespread concern among parents and educators. These challenges highlight the potential for social media to amplify dangerous behaviors and the difficulty platforms face in policing user-generated content.

The appeal of these challenges often lies in the desire for attention and validation, particularly among young people. The promise of a unique experience – in this case, hallucinations – combined with the pressure to conform to peer groups can create a dangerous environment where individuals are willing to capture extreme risks. The viral nature of TikTok and similar platforms exacerbates this problem, allowing challenges to spread rapidly and reach a large audience.

Johnson & Johnson’s Response and Safety Concerns

The manufacturer of Benadryl, Johnson & Johnson, has also issued a statement condemning the challenge, calling it “dangerous.” Their online safety statement emphasizes that Benadryl products should only be used as directed and urges consumers to store medications out of the reach of children. The company also stated it is working with TikTok and other social platforms to remove content promoting the challenge.

Diphenhydramine, the active ingredient in Benadryl, is an antihistamine commonly used to treat allergy symptoms. While generally safe when used as directed, overdosing can lead to a range of serious health problems, including heart problems, seizures, and coma. The FDA stresses that the medication should only be taken according to label instructions.

What Happens Now?

Jacob Stevens’ grandmother has vowed to do everything in her power to prevent other children from falling victim to the challenge, telling WSYX, “I’m going to do anything I can to produce sure another child doesn’t go through it.” The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of social media challenges and the importance of parental awareness and open communication with children about online safety.

Moving forward, increased collaboration between social media platforms, pharmaceutical companies, and public health organizations will be crucial in addressing this issue. TikTok’s ongoing efforts to remove harmful content and block related searches are a step in the right direction, but more comprehensive strategies are needed to prevent these challenges from gaining traction in the first place. Parents and educators can play a vital role by educating children about the risks of online challenges and encouraging them to report any concerning content they encounter.