Social Media Prank Leaves 9-Year-Old With Severe Burns; 12

By Jillian Pikora From Daily Voice

A 12-year-old boy is facing charges after pouring boiling water on his sleeping 9-year-old brother during a social media prank in Lancaster Township, police announced on Thursday, Aug. 7.

The incident happened on Tuesday, July 29, when the boy boiled water in a microwave and dumped it on his younger brother while he slept, according to Lancaster Township police.

The victim suffered severe burns to his neck and chest and was rushed to the Lehigh Burn Center for treatment, authorities said in a release on Tuesday, Aug. 5.

Two days later a 12-year-old was charged with Aggravated Assault and Recklessly Endangering Another Person following a review by the Lancaster County District Attorney’s Office.

In response, Lancaster Township police urged parents to closely monitor their children’s online activity, noting that harmful internet trends like the so-called “Hot Water Challenge” pose serious risks.

The challenge is kids daring each other to pour boiling water on an unsuspecting child, as Children's Hospital of Philadelphia explained.

The police encouraged parents to review the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force’s "Parenting Tips for Online Safety", which provides detailed guidance on controlling and supervising children’s device use. A printable brochure is available through their official resources.