Teenteens-on-social-mediasocial-media-bullyingvine

'Smack Cam,' Viral Trend On Vine, Features Violent Pranks By Teens

Introducing 'Smack Cam,' A Scary New Viral Trend
Krystie Yandoli
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Pranks with friends are all fun and games... until someone gets hurt, and it gets caught on film.

"Smack Cam," a new trend on the social video network Vine, started out as a joke between a handful of young friends. The idea -- to slap someone on the face and upload the footage online -- quickly took off and became a viral trend for teens.

While not all #SmackCam videos are violent, like this playful example, where the person's hand barely makes contact with the other's face, many show pretty scary scenarios.

One teen uses Axe Body Spray and a lighter to create a small fire in his hand, which he throws at a friend. Another video, which has been shared almost 7,000 times, shows a girl being hit in the back of the head with a gallon of orange juice.

Katie Baker wrote about the troubling new trend for Jezebel.com:

The [Smack Cam examples] I've seen remind me of Emily Bazelon's definition of bullying: "physical or verbal abuse, repeated over time, and involving a power imbalance. In other words, it's about one person with more social status lording it over another person, over and over again, to make him miserable."

What do you think? Is #SmackCam a form of bullying? Tell us in the comments or tweet at @HuffPostTeen.

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Before You Go

20 Healthy Habits To Adopt Before You Turn 20
Learn To Love Veggies (01 of20)
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And your body will love you for it. The health benefits of eating vegetables are almost to numerous to list, but most importantly, they're packed with fiber and essential vitamins and nutrients, which promotes good digestion, weight control and healthy organs. Click here for a list of some of the important vitamins and minerals found in fruits and vegetables. (credit:Flickr: Julesstonesoup)
Protect Your Skin(02 of20)
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If you make a habit of layering on the SPF when you're young, your skin will thank you for it years down the road. Skip the tanning bed and liberally apply the sunblock when you know you'll be out on the beach all day, or even just out in the sun for 30 minutes. It only takes a few minutes, and dramatically decreases your risk of developing skin cancer -- your skin will also age better if you take measures to protect it while you're still young. (credit:shutterstock)
Limit Your Sugar Intake(03 of20)
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Many scientists have argued that sugar is as toxic, and it's difficult to ignore the mounting evidence of the negative effects excess sugar can have on the body. Skip the soda and eat sugary snacks and desserts in moderation to ward off diabetes and prevent inflammation that can lead to chronic diseases. (credit:shutterstock)
Get Active(04 of20)
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Like eating vegetables, the health benefits of exercise are practically endless. Regular cardiovascular exercise can help maintain healthy weight, decrease stress, boost mood and energy, can prevent diseases, and promotes better sleep quality, among other advantages. Get into the habit young so that you can learn to love running, swimming, biking or whatever physical activity you enjoy most-- for your whole life. (credit:shutterstock)
Get Serious About Sleep(05 of20)
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It should come as no surprise that many teens are sleep-deprived, but what you may not realize is the extent to which a lack of sleep can affect your overall health. Studies suggest that insufficient sleep can lead to cognitive and emotional challenges and poor performance in school. Research has also found a link between lack of sleep and obesity. (credit:alamy)
Stop Worrying(06 of20)
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Stress doesn't just take the joy out of life -- it can also harm your health. Chronic worrying can play a role in skin problems (hello, exam-time breakouts), depression, insomnia, asthma, heart problems, digestive issues, and more. Do yourself a BIG favor now and get into the habit of taking time to chill out, whether it's 30 seconds of deep breathing, an hour of yoga, or a day to yourself to do nothing but relax. (credit:alamy)
Moisturize (07 of20)
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Maintain A Healthy Weight(08 of20)
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Develop Strong Relationships(09 of20)
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Floss Regularly(10 of20)
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Sure, you brush your teeth when you wake up and before bed, but do you take the time to floss? We know your dentist always bugs you about flossing, but it's for good reason. Taking just one or two minutes every night to floss can make a huge difference in your oral health down the road -- it enhances the positive effects of brushing your teeth, and prevents gum diseases like gingivitis. (credit:alamy)
Monitor Your Screen Time(11 of20)
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Too much time online can not only have negative effects on the eyes, but studies have shown that Internet addiction may impair cognitive function in adolescents. Making sure to unplug at least an hour before bed can also help improve sleep quality. (credit:Getty)
Eat Breakfast(12 of20)
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They say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and for good reason -- eating a healthy meal in the morning can jump-start your metabolism and help with weight management. Having a good mix of protein, fat and carbs in the morning can also help you focus in your early classes. Make a point of eating breakfast every single morning -- and no, a cup of coffee doesn't count! (credit:shutterstock)
Put Safety First(13 of20)
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You might get annoyed at parents' repeated insistence that you wear a helmet and a seat belt, or avoid texting while driving, but putting those habits in place when you're young will make them become second nature. Distracted driving is a contributing factor in 25 percent of police-reported crashes, and helmets and seat belts save lives. It's better to be safe than sorry -- period. (credit:alamy)
Drink Lots Of Water(14 of20)
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Another thing you've been told a million times: Drink eight glasses of water each day. Although it may not seem like a big deal, staying hydrated can promote proper kidney functioning, improve the appearance of your skin, and energize tired muscles. Carry around a large refillable bottle in your backband so you always have some on hand! (credit:alamy)
Ditch The Processed Foods(15 of20)
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Fast food and processed foods are almost always high in fat, sugar and refined carbohydrates, which can contribute to poor digestion, weight gain, and down the road, potentially more serious health concerns. Kick the habit now and choose whole foods over big macs and candy bars. Click here for tips from an expert on avoiding processed foods in a healthy diet. (credit:AP)
Stay Away From Smoke(16 of20)
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This one's been drilled into your head for very good reason: Besides the obvious (it can cause cancer), smoking also causes breathing problems, gastrointestinal diseases, lung disease, yellow teeth, bad breath and other problems ranging from the uncomfortable to the life-threatening. Don't think that you can smoke casually when you're young and give it up when you get older -- if you care at all about your health, just stay away completely. (credit:alamy)
Listen To Your Body(17 of20)
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It's important to consult experts and have a doctor you trust, but ultimately, nobody knows your body better than you. Learn to check in with yourself to identify what makes you feel great -- and not so great. Frequent stomach aches could be a sign of lactose intolerance or other food allergies and waking up frequently during the night could be caused by a stressful lifestyle -- don't ignore these things. Check in with yourself first, and go to a parent or doctor if you need help. (credit:shutterstock)
Protect Yourself(18 of20)
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If you choose to have sex, being safe is of critical importance, no matter what the situation. Know your options and be prepared in advance to do everything you can to prevent sexually transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancy. Click here for important info on STDs, and talk to a counselor or trusted adult for more information on safe sex. (credit:alamy)
Learn When To Say 'No'(19 of20)
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Whether it's peer pressure, an overbooked schedule, or the demands of a toxic friend who drains your time or energy, learning to say "no" can be one of the best things you ever do for yourself -- and your health. Setting healthy boundaries -- and refusing to apologize for doing what's best for you -- is critical to making your health and wellness a number-one priority. (credit:Tumblr: nana1986-poland)
Accept Your Body(20 of20)
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Health isn't about weight, it's about how you feel. Your body is the vehicle that will lead you through this life, so treat it well and learn to love it for all the wonderful things it does for you. Say "no" to body-snarking and embrace your flaws, because body acceptance is a foundation for lifelong good health, self-esteem and happiness. (credit:Tumblr: body-peace)
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