Gone are the days when sending your kids to school and ensuring they were up to date with their homework was enough. With the rise of social media and the increasing use of technology among young people, parents now need to be aware of viral trends that border on being harmful and even fatal. Including stunts and dares, these activities gain popularity on social media and reach school premises, where they are often executed among groups of highly influenced teenagers. Recently, the education and health authorities across the UAE have been urging schools and parents to stay alert as numerous dangerous physical dares are resurfacing among children and teenagers.
What is happening?
Education authorities have been informed by schools of incidents where students have engaged in unsafe activities such as choking, breath holding, applying pressure to the neck or head while attempting viral social media challenges.One particular trend that is extremely concerning is the “Skull Breaker Challenge” where a student is made to fall intentionally. The stunt which went viral on TikTok back in 2020 includes tricking a person into jumping and then deliberately tripping them, often causing them to land on their back or head.
Doctors warn of ‘permanent harm’
What might begin as a prank can quickly transform into a life-threatening situation according to multiple health professionals. According to Dr Rabea Abazeed, Specialist in Paediatrics at Burjeel Medical Centre, Al Shamkha, these viral challenges are “extremely dangerous” and can lead to serious, “sometimes permanent harm.”“The ‘skull breaker’ stunt causes a sudden, uncontrolled fall, which can lead to head injuries such as concussions, skull fractures, brain injury, or spinal trauma,” she added. Acts like choking or breath restrictions are particularly alarming, added Dr Renuka Ramasamy, Specialist Family Medicine, International Modern Hospital Dubai. She warned of the so-called “blackout challenge” in particular. The blackout challenge involves intentionally restricting oxygen to the brain until one feels lightheaded. Ramasamy warned that teens may end up asphyxiating themselves until they lose consciousness and that the challenge can lead to permanent brain damage or death within five minutes as the brain is extremely sensitive to lack of oxygen. “This type of hypoxia (oxygen deprivation) quickly injures brain cells and can have irreversible effects,” she said.According to the National Centre for Health Research in the US, between 1995 and 2007, at least 82 children aged 6-19 died from choking game activities.
Why children are especially vulnerable?
Experts underscore that adolescents are of critical focus for these challenges as they are going through a phase of socio-emotional and brain development. Between the ages of 9 and 16, social media use rises sharply and so does exposure to risky content. According to numerous studies, higher screen time affects areas of the brain responsible for impulse control and emotional regulation. Combined with peer pressure and the desire for “likes” and “comments”, the attraction towards performing such stunts can get extremely high.
UAE schools raise awareness
UAE schools are tackling issues like this firsthand with the help of counsellors and communication. Stephanie Watson, Deputy Headteacher Secondary, Nord Anglia International School Abu Dhabi said the school has school counsellors and trained wellbeing ambassadors who lead student-focused “Wellbeing Expos” where young people openly talk about “real issues, including dangerous online challenges.”Additionally, they also have PSME (Personal, Social and Moral Education) lessons that include a digital safety programme tailored for each year group.
How can parents help?
Health experts suggest being on the lookout for physical signs such as bloodshot eyes, small red spots around the eyes, unexplained marks or bruising on the neck, frequent severe headaches and disorientation after time spent alone. Secrecy around devices and group chats along with language that normalises such stunts can also be a warning sign. One of the most important tasks to ensure is communication with the children about what they are interested in online and what social media topics become points of conversation in their school groups. Even for parents whose children are not on social media, the concern remains vital as peer pressure and trends spread fast and wide. Additionally, exercise parental controls on their social media accounts while also setting time limits on the use of their digital devices to ensure healthy behaviour and safe use.
