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In today’s world, social media plays a pivotal role in our society; it’s rare to find someone without an Instagram or Facebook account. This has led to a generation of children who rely heavily on the internet, but in some instances, this dependency has severe consequences. Tragically, we’ve seen cases where children have taken their own lives due to cyberbullying, while others have acted violently in retaliation to online incidents. One alarming trend that has resurfaced is the “Blackout Challenge.”
This challenge, which emerged in the mid-1990s, is linked to numerous tragic outcomes. A report by the CDC noted that between 1995 and 2007, 82 deaths were associated with a choking challenge similar to the Blackout Challenge, which encourages children to strangle themselves until they lose consciousness. Why can’t we return to safer games like Truth or Dare instead?
In February of this year, a heartbreaking incident occurred in Italy where a 10-year-old girl lost her life after participating in this dangerous dare. In response, Italian authorities took the step of suspending TikTok accounts for users who failed to verify their age, but this action hasn’t completely halted the challenge’s spread.
Another tragic example is that of 12-year-old Leo Johnson, whose twin brother discovered him unconscious in the bathroom after he attempted the Blackout Challenge. Sadly, Leo passed away 19 days later after being taken off life support, leading their parents to create a GoFundMe page to support their family during this difficult time.
The COVID-19 pandemic has only amplified the reliance on social media for children to maintain friendships. While the traditional phone call still exists, many teens prefer not to use it. A 2018 Pew Research Center survey of 750 adolescents aged 13 to 17 revealed that 97% of them engage with social media platforms such as YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat. Teenagers are naturally inclined to take risks, and the impulsive nature of this age group can be exacerbated by excessive online time.
In an article on Very Well Family, author Sherri Gordon points out that teens’ developing brains are particularly vulnerable to the potential dangers of prolonged internet use. They often struggle to manage their screen time, which can lead to heightened risks, including peer pressure and cyberbullying—issues that are becoming increasingly prevalent in the digital age. The Blackout Challenge exemplifies a dangerous trend that poses significant risks during this critical stage of development.
As parents, we bear the responsibility of understanding our children’s online activities to help protect them. Monitoring their social media presence has become an essential part of our role, potentially saving lives in the process. Here are five practical steps parents can take to enhance their child’s safety while navigating the internet:
- Regularly check in with your children and establish time limits for their internet usage.
- Obtain your kids’ passwords and handles for all their social media accounts so you can monitor their activities, even during work breaks.
- Engage in conversations about their online experiences, including group chats and memes they find amusing—understand who they are communicating with and whether those individuals are known personally.
- Encourage your teen to spend time with friends in real life, outside of the digital realm.
- Remember, you have the authority to revoke their social media privileges if necessary.
While having the entire internet at our children’s fingertips can be a wonderful resource, it also poses risks. The combination of impressionable minds and the impulsivity of tweens and teens, coupled with an overwhelming amount of information, can lead to dangerous situations. We need to adopt a balanced approach that works for our child, our family, and our mental well-being.
For more insights on parenting in the digital age and additional resources, check out this article on pregnancy and home insemination. If you’re interested in learning more about at-home options, consider visiting Make A Mom for comprehensive guides. Another excellent resource for pregnancy-related topics can be found at UCSF’s Center.