Watchly Safety Review

Can You Turn On a TV With a Lighter?

0:48 · 123.7M views · October 3, 2024

Safe for Most KidsReviewed June 2026

This short video is safe and genuinely educational for kids of almost any age, using a viral myth as a springboard to teach real science about infrared signals and remote controls. The creator debunks a fake life hack with clear reasoning and math, making it a great example of critical thinking in action.

What Parents Need to Know

This is a brief, clean debunking video that explains how TV remote controls work using infrared light signals. Parents will appreciate that it actively encourages skepticism toward viral social media claims, walking kids through the actual math and physics that prove the trick is impossible. There are no language concerns, no dangerous demonstrations, and no advertising. The video models exactly the kind of evidence-based thinking parents want to encourage in children.

Talk to Your Kids About

1Why do you think people share videos of tricks that don't actually work? How can you tell if something online is real or fake?
2The video uses math to prove the trick is impossible — can you explain in your own words why 12 slots in the paper wouldn't be enough?
3Have you ever seen a life hack or trick online that seemed too good to be true? What would you do before trying it yourself?
4What is infrared light, and why can't we see it with our eyes even though cameras sometimes can?

Protected Viewing

Frequently Asked Questions

What age is this video appropriate for?

This video is suitable for children as young as 5, as it contains no harmful content whatsoever. Older kids aged 8 and up will get the most out of the science and math explanations.

Is there anything dangerous shown in the video?

A lighter is briefly mentioned as part of the debunked trick, but no dangerous activity is demonstrated or encouraged. In fact, the video concludes by telling viewers not to try the trick at all.

Does this video teach kids anything valuable?

Yes — it explains how infrared remote controls work in a simple, engaging way and models critical thinking by using math and physics to debunk a viral fake hack. It's a great conversation starter about media literacy.

Is this video trying to sell anything or promote a brand?

No, there is no advertising, sponsorship, or product promotion in this video. The content is straightforward and focused entirely on the science topic.

Could this video encourage kids to try unsafe experiments at home?

No — the opposite is true. The creator explicitly discourages attempting the trick and uses logical reasoning to show why it cannot work, making it a responsible and safe piece of content.