As parents, our instinct to protect our children is unwavering. From the moment they are born, we do everything in our power to keep them safe from harm. But despite our best efforts, accidents can happen—ones we never saw coming. This was the terrifying reality for Jackie Fedro when her daughter, Gabbie, suffered severe burns after using her cellphone while it was charging.
A Christmas Gift Turns into a Nightmare
Back in 2016, Jackie decided to give her 13-year-old daughter, Gabbie, a cellphone for Christmas. The gift was meant to keep them connected, especially given Gabbie’s busy practice schedule. The phone, an LG d500, was a way for Jackie to ensure that she could stay in touch with her daughter, but what followed would change their lives forever.
On a seemingly ordinary day, Gabbie was using her phone in her room when Jackie suddenly heard her scream. Gabbie rushed downstairs, clutching her neck in agony. She was hysterical, and it took her several minutes to explain what had happened.
The Incident: A Shocking Discovery
Gabbie explained that while using her phone, which was plugged into its charger, she had received an electric shock. The current had traveled up the charging cable, through her phone, and into the metal necklace she was wearing, causing a severe burn on her neck.
Jackie described the pain Gabbie experienced as “the worst feeling in the world,” as she watched her daughter scream in agony, unable to immediately help her. The shock caused second-degree burns, and Gabbie was left with a painful scar that encircled her neck.
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A Mother’s Warning: The Hidden Dangers of Phones
This incident highlights a danger that many parents may not even consider when it comes to the safety of modern devices. While cellphones have become essential to our daily lives, they can also pose unexpected risks—especially when used improperly or when safety precautions aren’t followed.
Jackie, still shaken by the events, spoke out to warn other parents about the potential dangers of phones. “With so many kids using phones nowadays, parents need to be warned about the harm that they can cause,” she said.
The Dangers of Charging Devices
While the risk of receiving an electric shock from a cellphone may seem remote, it’s not entirely unheard of. The incident Gabbie experienced occurred because of the combination of an electric current from the charger, the phone’s metal components, and the metal necklace she was wearing. This tragic accident underscores the importance of being cautious when using any electronic device while charging.
It’s important for parents to not only educate their children about the safe use of electronics but also to ensure that their devices are in good condition and used properly—especially when they are plugged in. The use of high-quality chargers and cables, as well as avoiding metallic jewelry while using phones, can go a long way in preventing such accidents.
The Aftermath and Moving Forward
Though Gabbie’s burns were severe, her story has become a cautionary tale for other families. The scars will serve as a permanent reminder of the incident, but the experience has sparked a larger conversation about the unseen risks of everyday technology.
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Jackie now encourages other parents to think critically about the safety of the devices their children use, making sure to discuss the potential dangers with them and encourage proper use.
This traumatic experience, though heart-wrenching, serves as an important lesson: even the most routine activities, like using a cellphone, can come with risks that we might not consider. For parents, staying informed and taking steps to safeguard our children’s well-being is more important than ever.
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