10/03/2025
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From the GCSO in conjunction with Dr. Stan Winborne, GCPS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Warning about Dangerous Social Media Challenge Involving Over-the-Counter Medication
The Granville County Sheriff’s Office has been made aware of a very dangerous social media challenge. It encourages children to take large amounts of over-the-counter medicines, such as Benadryl, “for fun.” This is extremely dangerous and has already impacted at least one family in our district.
Please remember:
• Review all household medications and securely store products out of reach of young people.
• Talk with your children right away about the risks of this and other online “challenges.”
• Monitor and set limits on your child’s use of phones, social media, and online content.
• Remind them that not everything they see online is safe or harmless.
• Encourage reporting concerning content or messages to a trusted adult, or school official
• Seek medical help immediately if someone shows signs of overdose or severe reaction (call 911 immediately)
Experts strongly recommend that families either restrict access to harmful content or make sure children have the skills to resist these pressures.
RESOURCES
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA): Safe Use of OTC Medicines
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Medicine Safety
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): Safe Usage and Misuse of Substances
- Local poison control centers: 1-800-222-1222 (in the U.S.)
THE GCSO IS DEDICATED TO PROMOTING PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY, WITH A FOCUS ON PREVENTING HARM FROM
ONLINE TRENDS AND MISINFORMATION. WE WILL CONTINUE TO COLLABORATE WITH HEALTH AUTHORITIES, EDUCATORS,
FAMILIES, AND COMMUNITY PARTNERS TO PROVIDE TIMELY GUIDANCE AND SUPPORT.
