New York: A disturbing social media trend known as “bone-smashing” is drawing sharp criticism from medical experts, after videos surfaced showing youngsters hitting their faces with hammers in pursuit of a sharper jawline.
What is the ‘bone-smashing’ trend?
The trend has reportedly been popularised by 20-year-old streamer Braden Peters, known online as Clavicular, on platforms such as Kick and Instagram. The practice involves repeatedly striking facial bones with a blunt object, based on a distorted interpretation of Wolff’s Law — a 19th-century theory proposed by German surgeon Julius Wolff, which states that bones adapt to stress over time.
Influencers promoting the practice claim that causing “microfractures” in facial bones will make them grow back stronger and more defined, allegedly resulting in a chiselled jawline or sharper cheekbones. The trend is tied to the “looksmaxxing” subculture, which focuses on extreme physical enhancement to boost perceived attractiveness.
In one widely circulated video, Peters claimed he was attempting to reshape his cheekbones based on Wolff’s Law. However, experts say such claims dangerously misinterpret medical science.
Doctors warn of serious risks
Medical professionals have strongly condemned the trend. Dermatologist Dr Andrea Suarez has warned that blunt trauma to the face does not safely stimulate bone growth and instead risks fractures, nerve damage, infections and permanent scarring.
Dr Bruce Y Lee previously wrote that there is a significant difference between controlled mechanical stress, such as weight training, and force from a blunt object. The latter, experts stress, can lead to broken jaws, internal bleeding and long-term disfigurement.
Health specialists caution that social media-driven “quick fix” beauty trends often prioritise virality over safety, placing young followers at risk of irreversible harm.
Authorities and medical professionals are urging parents and young users to exercise caution and verify health information with credible sources before attempting dangerous online challenges.