Many parents are already familiar with the term “planking.” The idea began with two young travelers bored with traditional photo poses in the earlier part of the decade. It has since become an internet sensation.

The idea is that one would pose themselves as straight as a plank, hence the name, in well, some mighty peculiar places. The photo above demonstrates how one might construct a plank.

But the question is, how safe is this new art form? While most websites that promote the practice, such as www.plankinglol.com have statements that remind players to “plank safely,” will East Texas children know how?

Planking could not only be dangerous as younger children seek to impress their friends, but it could lead to other, more troublesome activities.

So as parents, how should we respond? With a sense of humor and a desire for safety of course. Instead of trying to scare your child into compliance, Richard Shadick, Ph.D suggests “harm reduction,” where a parent might respond by telling their child to “choose safe places to participate in planking,” or “don’t plank in dangerous situations such as on buildings or in construction zones.” Shadick is director of the Counseling Center at Pace University in New York.

Bottom line moms and dads is this: talk to your kids about planking and what they know about it. And try to avoid being aggressive or passing judgement as kids tend to defy such behavior in an attempt to prove us wrong.

If nothing else, it will show them that you know what is going on in their social circle.

Chris Taylor

Editor-in-Chief