Almost every teenager in the UK now uses social media, a digital landscape that offers connection but also conceals serious dangers. For parents, staying informed about the latest viral but lethal online crazes has become a critical part of safeguarding their children.
The Lethal Trends Sweeping Social Platforms
Among the myriad of posts and videos, several specific challenges have emerged with tragic, sometimes fatal, consequences. Awareness is the first line of defence. Here are four of the most concerning trends that have claimed young lives.
1. The 'Chroming' Challenge
This trend, also known as 'huffing', involves inhaling fumes from aerosols or other household chemicals to achieve a high. Earlier this year, a British schoolboy died after taking part in chroming. The practice is deceptively deadly, as participants directly inhale toxic substances that can cause catastrophic damage to the heart, brain, and lungs, leading to sudden death.
2. The 'Surfing' Challenge
This reckless craze sees individuals, often teens, tying themselves or objects to moving vehicles while they speed along. As dangerous as it sounds, it has led to multiple tragedies. In recent months, teenagers have lost their lives participating in this challenge, highlighting the extreme physical risk of imitating such stunts seen online.
3. The Blackout Challenge
One of the deadliest fads to originate from social media, this challenge is also referred to as the 'choking' or 'pass-out' challenge. It involves individuals intentionally cutting off their oxygen supply until they lose consciousness. Heartbreakingly, numerous children have died as a result of participating, with the line between a dangerous game and a fatal outcome being perilously thin.
4. The 'Benadryl' Challenge
This trend encourages people to overdose on the over-the-counter antihistamine medication Benadryl to induce hallucinations. However, consuming large doses can trigger severe side effects, including seizures, heart problems, and coma. Health authorities and safety experts urge social media users to avoid it at all costs due to its potentially fatal consequences.
Vigilance is Key for Online Safety
With the vast majority of UK teens active on social platforms, open conversations between parents and children about these hidden dangers are more crucial than ever. Understanding the risks associated with viral trends like chroming, surfing, the blackout challenge, and the Benadryl challenge can be lifesaving. Proactive dialogue, not just monitoring, is essential to ensure young people comprehend the very real-world consequences of online dares.
