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In today’s world, social media plays an integral role in daily life, making it nearly impossible to find someone without a presence on platforms like Instagram or Facebook. This reliance has birthed a generation of children who depend on the internet for social interactions. Unfortunately, this dependency can lead to grave consequences, as seen in cases of cyberbullying, retaliatory actions, and dangerous trends like the “Blackout Challenge.”
This challenge, which gained traction in the mid-1990s, has been associated with numerous tragedies. According to a CDC report from 2008, 82 deaths between 1995 and 2007 were linked to a similar activity that encouraged children to choke themselves. Commonly known as the “Passout Challenge,” “Game of Choking,” or “Fainting Game,” the Blackout Challenge urges kids on TikTok to strangle themselves until they lose consciousness. One has to wonder where the classic games like Truth or Dare or Spin the Bottle have gone—why can’t we see a revival of those?
A heartbreaking incident occurred in Italy in February when a 10-year-old girl tragically lost her life after participating in this dare. In response, Italian authorities took steps to suspend TikTok accounts of users who hadn’t verified their ages. While this action was a positive move, it failed to halt the spread of the challenge.
Another tragic case involved a 12-year-old boy named Alex, whose twin brother discovered him unresponsive in the bathroom after he attempted the Blackout Challenge. Alex passed away 19 days later, leading his grieving parents to create a GoFundMe page to cover medical expenses.
The COVID-19 pandemic has intensified kids’ reliance on social media to maintain friendships. While the traditional phone call still exists, many teens today prefer not to use it. A 2018 Pew Research Center survey of 750 teenagers aged 13 to 17 found that 97% were active on social media platforms like YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat.
Teenagers are naturally inclined to take risks, often acting impulsively. Sherri Gordon from Very Well Family points out that adolescents have developing brains that are particularly vulnerable to the influences of excessive online time. They struggle with self-regulation and are more susceptible to peer pressure, cyberbullying, and sexting—all prevalent in today’s digital communications. The Blackout Challenge exemplifies this dangerous trend, posing significant risks to our youth.
As parents, it’s crucial to be aware of what our children are engaging with online to keep them safe. We find ourselves in the position of monitoring their social media activity to potentially save their lives. Here are five strategies to help safeguard your children while they navigate the internet:
- Regularly check in with your kids and establish time limits for their online activities.
- Obtain their passwords and social media handles so you can keep an eye on their accounts even during your work breaks.
- Discuss online happenings with your kids, such as group chats they’re part of and the memes they find amusing; know who they are interacting with and whether they know them in real life.
- Encourage your teens to meet friends in person, outside of the digital world.
- Remember that you have the authority to revoke their social media privileges if necessary.
While having the internet at our children’s fingertips is both a blessing and a curse, it’s essential to approach their online presence thoughtfully. The combination of impressionable young minds, impulsive behavior, and an overwhelming amount of information can lead to troubling situations. Finding a balance that works for your family is vital.
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Summary
The Blackout Challenge poses significant dangers to children, urging them to engage in life-threatening behavior. As parents, it is essential to monitor your child’s online activities and foster open communication about their experiences on social media. By implementing proactive strategies, you can help safeguard your children from harmful trends.