When children are young, we teach them about the dangers of strangers, providing them with vital information like their home address and parents’ contact numbers. As they grow older and navigate the online world, they face a different set of emergencies that require new awareness. A striking example is 13-year-old Leo Morgan from New Hampshire.
One day, while browsing TikTok, Leo stumbled upon a live feed from a boy he frequently follows. Eight hundred miles away in West Virginia, Jacob Fields was riding his all-terrain vehicle. Both boys share a passion for outdoor activities like hunting and fishing.
Just moments into the livestream, Leo sensed something was off. “Suddenly, his screen went dark, and I could hear him yelling for help,” Leo recounted in a conversation with a local news outlet. Jacob’s ATV had overturned, trapping him underneath. He began calling out for his grandparents since it was the only number he could remember.
Recognizing the urgency, Leo sprang into action. He quickly reached out to Jacob’s grandparents, and within 20 minutes, Jacob’s parents arrived at the scene, managing to free him with only minor injuries. “Leo reacted just as we’ve taught him—he immediately contacted adults when he sensed trouble,” said Leo’s stepfather, Chief of Police Alan Scott. “We are incredibly proud of how he remained calm under pressure.”
This isn’t the first instance of a teenager saving a life from afar. In 2020, a gamer in Texas helped save a friend in England after he had a seizure during a game. Such acts of bravery are what we hope to cultivate in our children.
However, the internet can also be a source of danger. There have been tragic stories about children who have suffered serious injuries or even lost their lives while live streaming. Parents must equip their children with the skills to handle emergencies. TeensHealth provides some useful strategies:
- Stay Calm: In any emergency, keeping a level head is crucial.
- Assess the Situation: Can the person communicate? Do they have a way to contact emergency services?
- Act Quickly: If you can reach the person’s guardians or call 911, do so without delay.
- Gather Details: When contacting emergency services, provide as much information as possible.
- Seek Help from Adults: It’s important to have a trusted adult involved during a crisis.
As kids spend an increasing amount of time online—averaging seven hours a day according to a 2019 report from CNN—their exposure to both positive and negative experiences grows. Unfortunately, not all interactions are safe, with alarming incidents like a group of teenagers charged with murder after a violent altercation that they broadcasted on social media.
Parents must instill the importance of action over inaction in their children, encouraging them to step in during emergencies rather than becoming bystanders. Teaching kids to remain calm and responsive can empower them to become proactive adults.
For further insights on handling such situations, be sure to check out our other blog posts on home insemination. Resources like Make a Mom are also excellent for information on related topics. For those interested in pregnancy and home insemination, News Medical offers invaluable resources.
Summary
A New Hampshire teen, Leo Morgan, demonstrated quick thinking and bravery when he helped rescue a friend, Jacob Fields, trapped under an ATV in West Virginia after witnessing the incident on TikTok. This event emphasizes the need for children to be prepared for emergencies, both online and offline. Parents should teach their kids to act swiftly and calmly in crises, reinforcing that their actions can make a difference.