Warning about the dangerous “boiling water” trend on TikTok in Egypt

The “boiling water” or “boiling tea” trend is spreading on social media in Egypt, especially on “Tik Tok.” The trend depicts friends holding each other’s hands and one of them pours tea or boiling water on their hands to see who can endure more.

This challenge is circulated as a test of friendship, in an attempt to show the strength of the relationship and the ability of both parties to bear pain and share difficulties. If one of the two people withdraws his hand, this indicates the weakness of the friendship between them.

However, experts pointed out that the trend is very dangerous and is not a true criterion for the strength of the relationship, according to CNN Arabic.

As the trend spread widely on social media, official authorities in Egypt warned of its danger, as it may cause serious and permanent burns and injuries, according to Al-Masry Al-Youm newspaper.

The Egyptian Fatwa House also warned against following this trend, and considered that harming oneself for such a reason is considered “a matter forbidden by law and contrary to the purposes of Islamic law.”

In turn, the Egyptian Ministry of Endowments stressed that human safety and self-preservation are more important than any false fame or temporary interaction, warning against turning danger into a means of entertainment, according to CNN Arabic.

Boiling water burns are very dangerous

Burning with boiling water causes damage to the skin and tissue and may develop into permanent damage in the worst cases. Dr. and general surgeon Sezay Aydin says that boiling water often leads to second-degree burns.

Second-degree burns cause damage to the upper layer of the skin, and this appears in the form of redness, swelling, pain, and blisters. These are serious burns in general, but contact with boiling water for a longer period, as happens in the “boiling water” trend, may lead to third-degree burns. Since third-degree burns constitute a more serious health problem, they require immediate medical intervention.

The Ministry of Health and Population in Egypt confirmed that this trend may lead to second and third degree burns, which may lead to permanent damage to the skin and deformities.

Dangerous trends: fame and a false sense of power

This is not the first time that social media pioneers have circulated dangerous trends and challenges, as some have previously circulated trends such as Snow and “The Blackout,” in which people strangle themselves, all with the aim of attracting followers and views.

Professor of Sociology at Benha University, Hala Mansour, told CNN Arabic that some people’s attraction to such trends stems from a love of experience, adventure, and attracting interest and fascination. She stressed that these behaviors are linked to a specific age stage, which is the stage between adolescence and the beginning of maturity.

She added that some people's pursuit of these trends also stems from a moral need such as fame and obtaining views, in addition to a false sense of power and the ability to challenge danger.

Samia Khadr, Professor of Sociology at Ain Shams University, blames the lack of awareness and family and community inclusion. Khadr told CNN Arabic: “The absence of real follow-up from the father and mother, especially in sensitive age stages, pushes young people to search for acceptance and attention through social media.”

Khader called for dialogue within the family, building a friendly relationship with the children, and trying to instill the values ​​of rational thinking and distinguishing between what is entertainment and what constitutes a real danger to their safety.