In this case, three friends and the boy wanted to shoot a cool Instagram reel
Representation pic
A 16-year-old boy from Belapur lost his life after being admitted to the National Burns Centre, Airoli, following a stunt that went wrong while filming an Instagram reel atop a stationary train coach at Nerul railway station on July 6.
The teenager got electrocuted after his hand came in contact with a high-voltage overhead wire as he posed on the unused garbage-filled train coach. The electric arc, reportedly at 25,000 volts, flung him off the coach, leaving him with 60-65 per cent burns and severe head trauma. He succumbed to his injuries.
The incident has raised concerns about the growing trend of teenagers in Navi Mumbai engaging in dangerous stunts. In this case, three friends and the boy wanted to shoot a cool Instagram reel.
It is time youngsters are told about the dangers of this anything-for-Insta attitude. Concerted campaigns by those working in the space for young people may drive this message home. Selfie dangers, Insta obsession, Facebook fixation, all these need to be nipped in the bud through awareness campaigns and strong messages that one cannot imperil life and limb for Likes and Shares. Signboards and surveillance at sidings and stations may help.
There is an absolute craze to be applauded on social media. To seek validation in this alternate, online universe, where many of these youngsters seem to live.
There needs to be an entire overhaul of this thinking where a device equals the entire world, and virtual thrills have become those that are worthy of pursuit, never mind the peril. A better understanding of the real world and its dangers, and counselling, if needed, are the only things that can bring about change. We are looking at a zombie generation, glued to social media, which rules lives.
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