I believe every parent out there would agree that the moment we welcome our children into the world, our priorities shift dramatically. From that day forward, protecting them becomes our number one concern—our second, third, fourth, and fifth as well. It’s a deeply rooted instinct, not something we consciously decide. It just happens. We’re wired to shield them from harm, to do whatever it takes to keep them safe, even from dangers we might not fully understand.

The mere thought of something terrible happening to our child—a sickness, an injury, a sudden accident—is almost unbearable. We childproof our homes, we strap helmets on their heads, we research every product we buy for them. Most of this we do without second thought. It’s automatic. We don’t need to be told twice to look out for their safety. But even with the most vigilant efforts and all the precautions in the world, sometimes things happen that we simply cannot prevent. And that’s perhaps the most frightening part of parenting—the moments where you have no control, where something awful unfolds right in front of you and there’s nothing you can do to stop it.

Jackie Fedro understands that fear all too well. Her daughter’s horrifying experience dates back to 2016, but the story remains just as relevant today as it was then. It’s a stark reminder of the risks we might not even realize are there—risks that can strike in the most ordinary moments.

Back in 2016, Jackie decided that her 13-year-old daughter, Gabbie, was finally old enough to have her own cellphone. It was a Christmas gift, a brand-new LG d500. Like many parents, Jackie had mixed feelings, but ultimately agreed it was time. “One of the reasons we finally gave in and bought her a cell phone is so we can keep in touch with her more with her crazy practice schedule,” Jackie shared with BuzzFeed. It seemed like a practical, even thoughtful decision—one that would allow them to stay connected and give Gabbie more responsibility.

But not long after receiving the phone, something happened that would change everything.

Gabbie was in her room, using the phone while it was charging. A typical scene in any household with teenagers. Then suddenly, Jackie heard a piercing scream. Alarmed, she rushed to see what had happened. What she saw will likely stay with her forever.

“She came running downstairs after it happened, grabbing her neck,” Jackie recalled. “She was in so much pain she was screaming hysterically.”

Imagine, for a moment, watching your child cry out in agony, unable to even form words. “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 said. “It took her a good five minutes before she was even able to tell us what had happened.”

Eventually, Gabbie explained that she had been using her phone while it was plugged in. Somehow, the charger sent an electrical current up through the phone, which then transferred to the metal necklace she was wearing. The necklace conducted the electricity and burned her neck. The damage was severe—second-degree burns—and it left a mark that would become a permanent scar around her throat.

“She suffered painful second-degree burns and now will have a scar all the way around her neck,” Jackie said. The emotional scars were likely just as deep. For both mother and daughter, the event was traumatizing. And perhaps what makes it even more unsettling is how little-known this danger was. Most parents wouldn’t think twice about their child using a phone while it’s charging. It’s something millions of us do every single day. But this case highlights the hidden hazards that come with our growing dependence on technology.

Jackie has since spoken out about the experience in hopes of educating other parents. She wants people to know that cellphones—especially when plugged in—can pose serious risks, particularly when paired with certain accessories like metal jewelry.

“With so many kids using phones now days, parents need to be warned about the harm that they can cause,” Jackie told BuzzFeed.

Her warning is one we all should take seriously. While smartphones have become an essential part of modern life, especially for teenagers, they are still electronic devices with real power running through them. They’re not toys. And when something as simple as a necklace can turn a regular charging session into a medical emergency, we all need to pay closer attention.

This story serves as a sobering reminder that the dangers we don’t talk about can often be the ones that hurt us the most. It’s not about creating fear, but rather awareness. It’s about understanding that even the most ordinary items in our home can become dangerous under the right (or wrong) circumstances. And as parents, being aware of these risks can make all the difference.

Gabbie’s experience may have been rare, but it wasn’t impossible. And if it happened to her, it could potentially happen to others. That’s why stories like this matter—not to sensationalize, but to inform and hopefully prevent future tragedies.

So the next time your child is scrolling through their phone while it’s plugged into the wall, take a moment to consider what’s around their neck, or whether it’s even safe at all. You might just avoid a nightmare scenario.

Have you ever heard of something like this happening before? I hadn’t, either. But now I’ll never forget it—and maybe that’s the point. Sometimes, the best way to protect our children is by learning from the experiences of others. Stay safe, stay alert, and above all else, never stop looking out for those you love most.