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What is Facebook Planking? - With Photos

Updated on October 2, 2012
Planking on camels
Planking on camels | Source

Planking has reached the world's attention after a young man has tragically died in Australia after an episode of Facebook planking went wrong. But just what is planking? And more especially, Facebook planking?

It's a worldwide craze among young people to have their friends photograph them while lying completely flat like a plank of wood, preferably it seems while in a dangerous position, like on a tree branch or in the middle of the road.

The photographs are then posted on social media sites like Facebook. In fact, one page on Facebook claims to have 90,000 fans and rising, of this crazy trend that has recently gone viral.

The Australian man who died was only in his 20s, and fell to his death while planking on a balcony railing in Brisbane.

Planking is dangerous and illegal

Queensland Police Deputy Commissioner Ross Barnett is quoted as saying to a Press conference "This morning we have seen a young man take this activity a step further and attempt to plank on a balcony, and unfortunately he has tragically fallen to his death." He then added "As planking gains popularity, there may be more injuries and potentially further deaths".

He went on to say they first became aware of the growing problem when they caught a planker planking on the roof of a police car. The 20 year old man was later charged with 'being on police equipment without lawful excuse'.

Sergeant Matthew Russell of Gladstone Police told the Press conference that plankers may find themselves being charged with "unauthorised high risk activity".

Planking in a rock
Planking in a rock
this plank looks painful
this plank looks painful

Planking has rules

Planking, which is known in some parts of the world as 'Facedown' is potentially very dangerous for youngsters as they try to outdo each other, posing in riskier and sillier positions, sometimes putting themselves in great danger.

Strangely enough, planking has rules.

  1. You must lie face down with an expressionless face for duration of plank.
  2. Your legs must remain together, with toes pointed.
  3. Your arms must also be straight, and at your sides, with fingers pointed.
  4. You must also tell people that you are planking by saying "I am planking".
  5. Your safety should be your first concern. Plank safely. (Guess that's one rule that got ignored).
  6. You must name your photograph.

What has started out as a fun craze has ended tragically with the sad death of this young man, which will no doubt put an end to planking.

precariously planking from a height
precariously planking from a height
planking on a road
planking on a road
Planking on a pedestrian walkway
Planking on a pedestrian walkway
Planking on a busy hghway is especially dangerous
Planking on a busy hghway is especially dangerous
Acton Beale, died planking
Acton Beale, died planking

Planking Safety

Over on Facebook, more and more people are planking in crazy and sometimes dangerous situations, trying to get the best and most talked about shot on camera.

Click on the blue hyperlink to view more planking photographs.

While the whole idea of planking is indeed funny, it is also dangerous, especially if you ignore rule 5 which clearly states that personal safety should be paramount.

Police have named the man who died as 20 year old Acton Beale. Sincerest condolences to his family.

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