'Reel Monsters': Outrage Grows Over Video Showing Woman Smoking While Holding A Toddler

There has never been a greater appeal to become an established online star, as this is linked to brand awareness, a devoted fan base and the possibility of earning large sums of money. However, how far will you have to go to gain internet fame? A recent video, which shows a woman creating a reel whilst smoking and carrying a child, sparked significant criticism. The toddler can be seen coughing in the video, which went viral. The video has drawn criticism from a number of social media influencers and activists.

Journalist and social activist Deepika Narayan Bhardwaj shared the video on social media with the comment, “Feel terrible for kids around these reel monsters.”

The woman is seen in the footage standing with the kid and facing away from the camera. As the video proceeds, she stares at the camera and holds a cigarette in her fingers.

Replying to her post, Deepika Narayan Bhardwaj mentioned that she looked through the woman’s social media timeline but didn’t find the child in any other video. She went on, “She must have taken someone’s child.”

In the thread, Deepika also shared a screenshot of her chat with the woman in the video. The woman said that the child had been coughing for two weeks and accused Deepika Narayan of revealing her in public. She also said that the toddler is her sister’s child, for whom she bought medications.

Neelesh Misra, a digital storyteller, reposted the video and commented that smoking while holding a baby is an incident that will quickly be forgotten. “This is criminal.”

Additionally, he tagged Priyank Kanoongo, the NCPCR Chairperson, and the official X handles of the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR).

The video has 8 lakh views on the social media platform.

A user pointed out saying, “Around the 10-second mark, it can be clearly seen that the kid is coughing and visibly uncomfortable due to the cigarette smoke. This is child abuse! Hope strict action is taken soon.”

A doctor commented saying, “This should STOP!! Secondhand smoke can have a devastating impact on babies, increasing their risk of sudden infant death syndrome, respiratory issues, ear infections, and even affecting their brain development. It’s like a toxic cloud hovering over them, wreaking havoc on their tiny bodies.”

Most of the users demanded strict action against the woman for jeopardising the toddler’s health.