A "new social media craze" nicknamed the "Paracetamol Challenge" is reportedly encouraging school children to abuse over-the-counter painkillers.

Police and schools have issued warnings to parents about the potentially lethal challenge which is allegedly being spread via Facebook and Instagram.

Taking too much paracetamol can lead to liver damage, hemorrhaging and brain damage.

The alert to parents comes after a teenager in East Ayrshire, Scotland was reportedly hospitalised.

Coatbridge Police tweeted: "We've heard about the #paracetamolchallenge. DONT

Alan Ward, head of schools at East Ayrshire Council, told ITV News that the challenge involves young people "daring each other" through Instagram and Facebook to take "excessive amounts" of paracetamol.

"We have been communicating with parents, encouraging them to monitor their child’s safety on social media," he said.