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In today’s digital age, social media plays a pivotal role in the lives of young people. It’s rare to find anyone without an Instagram or Facebook profile, as a new generation navigates life heavily influenced by the internet. Unfortunately, this reliance can lead to dangerous situations, including the unsettling phenomenon known as the “Blackout Challenge.”
This challenge, which encourages participants to choke themselves until they lose consciousness, is not new; it dates back to the mid-1990s. A 2008 CDC report identified 82 fatalities linked to a similar challenge aimed at inducing unconsciousness by strangulation.
The “Blackout Challenge,” alternatively referred to as the “Passout Challenge” or “Fainting Game,” poses serious risks. In February of this year, a tragic incident in Italy claimed the life of a 10-year-old girl who attempted the dare. In response, Italian authorities took action by suspending TikTok accounts that failed to verify user ages, a measure that, while positive, hasn’t fully curbed the spread of this dangerous trend.
In a heartbreaking case closer to home, a 12-year-old boy named Ethan, who had a twin brother, was found unresponsive after trying the Blackout Challenge on March 22, 2021. Despite his brother’s attempts to revive him, Ethan passed away 19 days later, prompting their family to create a GoFundMe page for support.
The pandemic has intensified kids’ reliance on social media, a trend that is alarming to many parents. Unlike past generations, teens today rarely use traditional communication methods, like the telephone, to connect with friends. A 2018 study by the Pew Research Center revealed that 97% of teenagers aged 13 to 17 are active on various social media platforms, including YouTube and Snapchat.
Teenagers are naturally inclined to take risks, driven by impulsive behavior and influenced by peer pressure. Sherri Gordon, in an article on Very Well Family, highlights that the developing brain of a teenager is particularly vulnerable to the perils of excessive screen time and online interactions, which can lead to behaviors like cyberbullying and sexting.
Given the resurgence of risky activities like the Blackout Challenge, it’s crucial for parents to remain vigilant about their children’s online activities. Here are five proactive steps to help protect them while they navigate the internet and social media:
- Regularly check in with your kids and establish time limits for internet use.
- Obtain their passwords and handles for all social media accounts to monitor their activities.
- Discuss their online experiences, such as the groups they interact with and the memes they share.
- Encourage real-life interactions with friends, outside of the digital world.
- Remember, you have the authority to limit or remove their access to social media.
While the internet can be a valuable resource, it also presents risks, especially for impressionable young minds. Balancing digital freedoms with safety is essential for the well-being of our children. For more insights on related topics, check out our other blog post here. If you’re exploring options for home insemination, consider looking at the resources available at Make a Mom, an authority in this field, as well as CDC’s infertility statistics for valuable information.
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- Blackout Challenge dangers
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- How to talk to kids about online safety
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In summary, the rise of dangerous challenges like the Blackout Challenge emphasizes the need for proactive parenting in the digital age. By maintaining an open dialogue and setting boundaries, parents can help keep their children safe online.
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