Murfreesboro / Rutherford County, Tenn. (WGNS News) - Over the past two to three years, multiple law enforcement agencies have warned about a social media “challenge” that has recently renewed concern for area residents, especially those who partake in the so called trend that is evidently being recycled to some extent. From police agencies in Tennessee, to law enforcement in Ohio, Florida, Virginia, New Jersey and more, the concern centers on the injuries, panic and potential criminal charges that could result from the aftermath of participating in the idea.
The most recent warning comes from police in the area of Louisville, Kentucky, but zooms-in on what could unfold anywhere in the U.S. The so-called “Orbeez Challenge,” a TikTok trend that began several years ago, encourages participants to use airsoft-style guns to shoot soft water beads, often known by the brand name Orbeez, at unsuspecting people. In some versions of the challenge, the beads are frozen before being fired, which can increase the risk of pain, injury and alarm.
TikTok challenges often begin when users encourage others to copy a specific stunt or activity and post it online with a shared hashtag. Some trends are funny or lighthearted, but others have created real-world safety concerns, especially when young people do not fully understand the consequences.
One recent Orbeez-related incident reportedly resulted in minor injuries to a young person and fourth-degree assault charges against another. The case has raised concerns about the potential for similar incidents to escalate quickly. Scroll down for larger photo of teens in Rutherford County,TN playing a fun game of airsoft, but in a more remote location where harm is less likely and area residents know and understand, it's a game of kids being kids.
While the beads may feel soft and squishy when handled normally, they can still cause injury when fired from an airsoft gun, especially at close range or when frozen. Another issue that is perhaps even larger than the initial pain of being hit by an airsoft bead, is what safety advocates warn can lead to real world consequences. As many may or may not realize, several airsoft guns mimic real rifles and shotguns, potentially causing panic among victims, bystanders or responding officers. If the wrong person interprets what they witness as a real threat, the social media fun can lead to deadly consequences.
Across the country, arrests have been made in connection with similar incidents, and some jurisdictions have pursued more serious assault-related charges. In other cases, victims have reacted as though they were under attack by a real weapon, creating the possibility of a dangerous or even deadly outcome.
Parents and guardians are being urged to talk with children and teenagers about the risks before purchasing or allowing them to use airsoft guns, water bead blasters or similar toy weapons. The message is simple: these items should be treated as toys and used only in safe, appropriate settings — never against unsuspecting people. Scroll down for more.
The recent warning is a reminder that online trends can carry offline consequences. What may begin as a prank for social media attention can quickly become an injury, a criminal charge or a situation that puts multiple people in danger. In the photo tied to this article, it displays area teens in Rutherford County playing with airsoft "toys," but they still appear to look like real firearms. However, the tips of each airsoft is highlighted in orange or green to signify, they are not real weapons. They also picked a positive location, in a more rural setting on a piece of property big enough to not cause alarm for passing vehicles. Onlookers can barely see the actual home from the roadway.
