When children are young, we educate them about stranger danger and equip them with vital information such as their home address and parents’ phone numbers. We instill in them the importance of calling 911 during emergencies. But what happens as they grow older and start exploring the online world? They face entirely new types of emergencies. Take 13-year-old Jason Miller from New Hampshire, for instance.
On a typical afternoon while browsing TikTok, Miller stumbled upon the live stream of a boy he frequently follows. Meanwhile, 800 miles away in West Virginia, Ethan Price was out enjoying a ride. Both boys share a common passion for outdoor activities like hunting, fishing, and ATV riding.
Just moments into the live stream, Miller sensed something was off. “Suddenly, his screen went dark, and all I could hear was him yelling for help,” Miller recounted in an interview. Price’s all-terrain vehicle had flipped over, trapping him beneath it. In a panic, he began shouting out his grandparents’ phone number, the only contact he could recall. That’s when Miller sprang into action. He reached out to Price’s grandparents, and within 20 minutes, Price’s parents were able to find him and lift the ATV off. Thankfully, he only suffered minor injuries.
“Jason acted promptly and informed adults, just as he’s been taught,” said Miller’s stepfather, Chief of Police, Mark Thompson. “We are incredibly proud of his calm demeanor and quick thinking.”
This isn’t an isolated incident; in fact, in 2020, a teenager in Texas managed to save a friend in England during a gaming session when the latter suffered a seizure. This kind of bravery is what we hope to instill in our children.
While many stories highlight the dangers of live streaming, we must prepare our kids to handle emergencies effectively. Here are some tips from TeensHealth:
- Stay Calm: In emergencies, maintaining composure is crucial. It can be challenging, but staying level-headed helps with making swift, smart decisions.
- Assess the Situation: Can the person communicate? Do they know how to connect with a trusted adult or emergency services? Gathering information about their location is vital.
- Act Quickly: If you can contact the person’s parents or guardians, do so immediately. If not, call 911—this action should always be taken seriously.
- Collect Details: Emergency responders will need to know the who, what, where, and when. Providing as much detail as possible can expedite help.
- Seek Help from Trusted Adults: Once you’ve contacted emergency services, find an adult nearby to share the situation with and seek support during the crisis.
Today’s youth spend significant time on social media; a 2019 report indicated they average seven hours daily in front of screens, not accounting for schoolwork. This trend has likely intensified during the pandemic. While we hope our kids engage in positive online interactions, the reality can sometimes be alarming.
In January 2021, several young girls in Louisiana were charged with murder after a violent crime that shocked the community and was shared on social media. This underscores the importance of teaching our children to act rather than be passive observers in critical situations. The bystander effect can often deter individuals from intervening when needed.
Proactive parenting is essential; we must encourage our children to take action in emergencies, whether online or offline. It’s not just about heroism; it’s about being a helper when someone is in distress. If we instill the values of calmness and prompt action in our children, they will carry these traits into adulthood.
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Summary
A New Hampshire teen, Jason Miller, successfully saved his friend Ethan Price, who was trapped under an ATV 800 miles away after a TikTok live stream. This incident highlights the need for emergency preparedness in a digital age, emphasizing the importance of calmness and proactive responses in crises. Youth today face unique challenges online, making it crucial for parents to equip them with the skills to act decisively.