Experts warn of 'Banana Peel Challenge' sweeping social media

NEW YORK (WABC) -- There is a new warning about the next social media trend tripping up the internet, and it's called the banana peel challenge. It shows people purposely slipping for the camera, but experts say what seems fun could soon turn dangerous.

It's usually a classic cartoon cliche, but now the latest viral challenge attracting thousands of clicks online is no laughing matter.

"They see it on social media," clinical psychologist Dena Rabinowitz told ABC News. "They see the attention other kids get, and it seems like a good idea at the time."

Experts say these kinds of falls can lead to long-term or even permanent damage.

"Adolescents often think they're invincible or immortal," Rabinowitz said. "So they just don't think they're the ones who are going to get hurt."

It's not the first dangerous challenge to become a fad on social media. There was the cinnamon challenge that in some cases caused potential long-term lung damage, and the duct tape challenge that ended with a brain aneurysm for 14-year-old Skylar Fish.

"Now I just regret doing that challenge that day," Fish said.

The video credited with starting the banana peel challenge has already been retweeted more than 100,000 times and duplicated by hundreds.

"A frank, honest conversation about the real-life risks and the reality of how bad the injuries can be are often enough to help teenagers move into the real world," Rabinowitz said. "And out of that social media world."