#SafeFashion - Campaign for magnet safety
High-strength magnets can be found in toys, puzzles and some craft and fashion items and can cause horrific damage to the body if swallowed.
We’ve partnered with the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) to launch #SafeFashion, a campaign that aims to raise awareness of the dangers of magnets when used in place of fake piercings or jewellery.
What do you want to do?
News and Views
Click the button below to look back at our campaign launch, and read why it’s still so important to bring attention to the dangers of magnets when faking a piercing.
Get involved
Wondering how you can get involved? We’re looking for stories to raise awareness of the dangers of magnets. Alternatively, share our materials by hitting the button.
Magnet Safety Advice
Our magnets safety webpage offers further insight into the dangers of magnets, including current action that has been taken in this area.
The problem
Did you know that at least 65 young people have been admitted to hospital after accidentally swallowing mini magnetic balls due to a viral trend?
The trend? Using magnets to fake a piercing.
The problem is that when these magnets are accidentally swallowed, the small magnetic balls are forced together in the intestines or bowels, squeezing the tissue so that the blood supply is cut off.
If you or someone you know has swallowed magnets, please seek medical advice immediately
Magnets stick together and cut off blood supply, causing tissue to die.
We're warning parents and teenagers to take real care when buying products containing magnets.
Ashley Martin
Public Health Advisor, RoSPA
X-ray of magnet in the gut
What are we doing?
Keeping your friends, younger siblings or, if you're a parent, your childs safety is of the utmost importance.
We've found the biggest problem is that people just don't know how dangerous magnets are.
But we have a plan.
Teenagers who are using magnetic balls as fake facial piercings have been recently affected by the use of magnets in addition to the younger age groups, with a rise in admissions amongst older children.
We're doing what we can to get our information and advice on how dangerous magnetic balls are out there in the public eye and make sure these resources are available to everyone online. You'll find us on TikTok, sharing across social media and aiming for the press to amplify our voice all using #SafeFashion.
Safe Fashion Video
Our #SafeFashion campaign videos
Our videos will be shared across a variety of social media sites, including TikTok (adverts only), Instagram, and Facebook.
If you want to share the videos, please share via the YouTube link above and use #SafeFashion and #NilByMouth to let us see your posts!
We need your help
Share our social media posts and use #SafeFashion or #NilByMouth to help spread the message. A simple post could share life-saving information for some.
Download our social media pack
Connect with us
Get involved by sharing our poster and leaflet detailing the dangers with your friends, school and family.
SafeFashion OPSS Poster
Other ways you can get involved
Read our magnet safety advice
Our magnet safety webpage provides key data relating to magnets safety including injuries and current action taken.
Magnets safety webpage
Share your story
Have you or a family member been impacted by a magnet incident? Want to share your story to help others?
Email us
Share our webpage
Want to share this information with your school, friends or family? Just hit the button below and copy the weblink.
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