When Illinois mother Jackie Fedro gave her 13-year-old daughter Gabbie her first cell phone, she saw it as a way to stay connected with her increasingly independent teen. However, what started as a simple means to keep in touch took a frightening turn that neither Jackie nor Gabbie anticipated. Just days after receiving the new phone, Gabbie experienced a terrifying injury, leaving her mother shocked and eager to warn others about a hidden danger in cell phone use.
A Sudden Cry for Help
It was a typical day at home when Jackie heard her daughter scream from another room. The sound of Gabbie’s terrified cry sent Jackie rushing to her side, only to find her daughter clutching her neck in pain, struggling to breathe. Watching her daughter in agony, Jackie felt the helplessness every parent fears. “It’s the worst feeling in the world as a mother to watch your child scream in pain and have no idea how to help her,” Jackie shared.
After a few intense minutes, Gabbie was finally able to explain what had happened. She had been using her new phone while it was charging, and a sudden electric shock from the cord traveled through a necklace she was wearing, causing second-degree burns on her neck.
The Hidden Risk of Charging Phones
Gabbie’s experience brought to light a risk that many cell phone users might not consider: the potential dangers of using a device while it’s plugged into the wall. In Gabbie’s case, the electric current from the charger traveled through her necklace, creating a painful circuit that resulted in severe burns.
Scott Wolfson, a spokesperson for the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), explained that cases of burns related to cell phones are rare but can happen. He emphasized that most phone-related burns stem from batteries overheating rather than the charging cables themselves. However, he warns against the dangers of using non-factory chargers and replacement batteries, as these are often less regulated and can increase the risk of overheating or electric shock.
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