It's the latest internet craze, a game called 'planking'. People
of all ages are doing it. But teen experts warn it could be a
dangerous activity for young people who don't know where to draw
the line.
Lay down in an usual location, stiff as a board, hands along your
side, snap a pic and upload away -- now you're planking. Even
athletes, Dwight Howard and Ron Artest, are tweeting up a storm
with pictures of themslves in plank poses
Dallas visitor Melanie Elliott says she's planked before. "You
lay flat on your stomach, like on a rail," said Elliott.
"I didn't even know what it was and you know that and I don`t,"
said Elliott's friend Ann Switzer. Elliott even convinced her old
high school friends to give planking a whirl today at Dealey
Plaza.
But experts warn planking could promote risky behavior. On YouTube
you'll find people planking on railroad tracks, and on the sides of
buildings, and signs.
"Sometimes teenagers, especially, don`t think through a situation
and they plank somewhere where it becomes deadly," said Teen
Contact Director Missy Wall.
According to reports a planker in Australia, where the fad began,
has already died in action. Wall says the lure of internet fame
often motivates people to up the ante too much.
"So somebody planks somewhere that`s a little bit risky, they get a
lot of positive feedback. Well people reading that, or a teenager
reading that , thinks what can I do to make mine the best plank,"
said Wall.
Some North Texans told us, you won't catch them planking anytime
soon. "Absolutely not. I think it`s ridiculous. I would never, no,"
said Fort Worth resident Josh Weber.
Wall does think planking can be a fun activity if it's done in a
safe environment. Melanie Elliott says she's already on the hunt
for her next spot.
"Just wait, I`m looking for another good place," said
Elliott.
The folks at Teen Contact say it's probably not a good idea to try
planking on moving vehicles, at high elevations, near traffic, or
under the influence.
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