Duct tape challenge: Mom warns parents after son lands in hospital

A Washington mother says her son is lucky to be alive after a game popular among some teens left him with severe injuries.

The “Duct Tape Challenge” turns kids into wannabe Houdinis. It involves them being taped up — either standing or stuck to a chair, wall, bed or each other — then trying to “escape.” Whoever is able to break free the fastest, wins.

The game took a nearly fatal turn for 14-year-old Skylar Fish who let his friends bind his arms and legs on Jan. 16, Q13 Fox reported.

While taped, Fish lost his balance and hit his head on a concrete wall and metal window frame. He’s been in hospital ever since.

“Sky had a broken eye socket, which pinched off his nerves to his eye, aneurysm on his brain and broken cheek bones. He has 48 staples on the top of his head that go ear to ear,” his mother, Sarah Fish, said.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "Sky had a broken eye socket, which pinched off his nerves to his eye, aneurysm on his brain and broken cheek bones. He has 48 staples on the top of his head that go ear to ear," his mother, Sarah Fish, said.

She posted the message to a crowdfunding page she has started to support her son’s recovery. He’s already had to undergo surgery and will likely face a few weeks of rehab where he’ll relearn basic tasks. His mother added his eye is currently “not showing any signs of sight.”

In her interview with Q13 Fox, Fish said her son was essentially an inch away from losing his life when he hit his head. His friends may have saved him.

“I’m just so happy my Skyman is alive,” his mom wrote.

“I honestly really only want everyone to pray for my boy and educate as many people as possible about the risks of these ‘challenges.'”

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "I honestly really only want everyone to pray for my boy and educate as many people as possible about the risks of these 'challenges.'"

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The Duct Tape Challenge appears to have started in 2014 and gained traction on social media in 2015.

Though strange, it’s not the first dangerous “challenge” that has occupied teens’ time over the years.

Other high-risk social media challenges

Among the most recent is the “Facebook Fire Challenge,” which dares teens to douse themselves with rubbing alcohol then light themselves on fire.

It’s a risky game that landed 16-year-old Floridian Robert Seals in hospital this past October.

“He was just screaming for someone to help him,” a neighbour said.

WATCH: Florida teen put on life support after ‘Facebook fire challenge’

There’s also “Game of 72.” In May 2015, its masterminds challenged teens on Facebook to vanish for 72 hours. Participants were told not to share their whereabouts with anyone. The more mayhem and panic caused by a disappearance, the more points a teen would be awarded.

WATCH: The Game of 72 has some parents terrified

Less extreme, but arguably just as ridiculous, was 2015’s “Kylie Jenner Lip Challenge.”

To achieve the reality TV star’s pout, teens would insert their lips into a shot glass, small jar or bottle then suck out the air creating a vacuum. Most girls ended up with bruises, soreness and even torn skin.

WATCH: Doctors warn teens of dangers from trying Kylie Jenner Lip Challenge

Lastly, there is the long-running “Cinnamon Challenge.”

The fad involves daring someone to swallow a spoonful of ground cinnamon in 60 seconds without water. Doctors warn that trying to gulp the spice down can cause choking, throat irritation, breathing trouble and collapsed lungs.

WATCH: The Cinnamon Challenge lands many teens in hospital. It was even said to have permanent consequences.

“Pro tip,” wrote Jack Holmes on Twitter Wednesday afternoon, “if you learn about any sort of ‘challenge’ on the Internet, do not participate in the challenge.”

With files from Global News