Warning issued as new social media challenge gains traction

5 Aug 2025 • 1:57 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

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  • A dangerous social media trend, the “door-kick challenge,” involves individuals aggressively kicking doors, often causing damage, and uploading videos online.
  • Authorities and online safety experts are warning parents that this prank could lead to severe consequences, including serious injury, death, or felony charges for participants.
  • Law enforcement officials, particularly in states with “Castle doctrine” laws, caution that homeowners might mistake the prank for a home invasion and respond with deadly force.
  • Incidents have been reported across several US states, with examples including significant property damage and two Florida teenagers facing felony burglary charges.
  • Experts highlight that social media platforms incentivise dangerous content for “clout,” normalising such pranks, and note that similar past trends have resulted in tragic fatalities.

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