A nine-year-old boy in New Orleans, United States, has suffered severe burns covering more than 70 percent of his body after participating in a dangerous social media trend known as the “fire challenge”. The incident has prompted local fire and police officials to warn parents and children about the potentially fatal consequences of copying extreme online stunts. New Orleans Fire Department Chief Roman Nelson said the boy was in unbearable pain but was fortunate to have survived the incident. The challenge involves participants setting themselves on fire and attempting to extinguish the flames before suffering serious injuries. New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick urged children not to give in to peer pressure or participate in dangerous online trends in pursuit of attention. “Kids, don’t fall for this gimmick. Don’t feel pressured to take part in it. Your life is not worth it,” Kirkpatrick warned. Officials are encouraging parents to speak openly with their children about online safety and the risks of imitating viral challenges. The incident has renewed concerns about the influence of social media trends on young children, particularly when dangerous stunts are presented as entertainment or a way to gain online popularity. Authorities have not released further details about the boy’s identity or recovery.