From Fun to Fatal: The Dangers of Viral Challenges for Children
The internet is a bottomless pit of content, much of it hidden away in the dark corners and something to be very fearful of, but some of the most dangerous content is actually in plain sight and the type of content to go viral and reach millions of children. I am not talking about pornographic material or radicalisation documents, I am talking about viral trends which young people see as a means to gain a larger following on social media.
I read a sad story in the news earlier about a young 19-year-old who died taking part in a viral tackling game, where people run at each other full speed and the ‘Winner’ is the person who dominates the collision. I place this in the same realm as the stupidity that is Powerslap (People hitting each other in the head as hard as possible until one of them lets go of the table).
The Irresistible Lure of Viral Trends to Children
Why do you think children are so eager to participate in these potentially lethal trends? As with most things, there are a multitude of reasons and the list is far from exhaustive.
The Attention & Fame: Whether we like it or not, we live in a world that is now driven by likes, shares and follower count. Becoming an ‘influencer’ is now seen as a career choice by many children and they crave the attention and validation of their peers that they think it can provide.
Peer Pressure: It could be as simple as a dare from a friend or the unspoken pressure of needing to fit inbut peer pressure can be a significant factor in children taking part in these trends.
Sense of Belonging: Taking part in these online trends can make them feel like they are part of something bigger and it is a shared experience that can feel like a community, even if only for a short time.
Lack of Risk Awareness: I think some of you can remember being a kid and not having the first clue about the danger of some things we used to do, children these days are no different but when they see others fo these things through the filtered lens of a screen, it makes them even less aware of the possible repercussions, The “it wont happen to me” mindset is a powerful one.
Future Consequences: They will have a lack of understanding about future ramifications that their online actions might have, even seemingly small actions can result in permanent digital footprints, legal repercussions or even serious physical harm and maybe death.
Beyond "Run It Straight": A Broader Spectrum of Dangers
Whilst the tragedy detailed in the article highlights physical harm, the dangers associated with these viral trends often extend far beyond that. These risks can be categorised into several areas:
Physical Harm: Often, these challenges involve stunts, self-inflicted pain, extreme sports, or reckless actions that can lead to severe injuries or fatality.
Mental Harm: Some trends can promote cyberbullying, body shaming and can even lead to self-harm and radicalisation.
Reputational Damage: Challenges can involve vandalism, theft, criminal damage or the creation and sharing of explicit/inappropriate content, which could result in criminal charges, school disciplinary action and a criminal record.
Exploitation Risks: These trends can encourage children to interact with a lot of strangers, sharing information with them or meeting people offline and this, of course, makes them vulnerable to being groomed and exploited by predators who use these viral trends for their own horrific purposes.
The unseen scars, the erosion of self-esteem, and the long-term impact on a child's well-being and future should show you that physical harm is not the only impact on children.
What Can You Do: Proactive Protection
Protecting your children from the dark side of these viral trends needs more than just awareness and will need you to engage proactively with your children.
Open and Honest Communication: This is your most powerful tool and one that you often hear me suggest. Talk to your children openly and without judgment about what they're seeing online, what trends their friends are talking about, and how these make them feel. Ask open-ended questions like, "What's the wildest thing you've seen online lately?" or "Have you ever felt pressured to do a trend?"
Digital Literacy & Critical Thinking: Teach your children to be critical consumers of online content. Help them question: Is this real? Who made it? What are the potential consequences, both good and bad? Emphasise that online actions have very real-world impacts.
Age-Appropriate Monitoring: Know which apps and platforms your children are using. Be aware of the major trends circulating (follow trusted news sources or child safety experts for updates). While not a substitute for communication, parental control tools can offer an additional layer of visibility.
Model Safe Behaviour: Be a digital role model. Don't engage in or share risky online trends yourself. Practice good digital citizenship and show them what responsible online behaviour looks like.
Equip Them to Report & Block: Ensure your child knows how to report harmful or inappropriate content and how to block accounts that promote dangerous trends. Empower them to be active participants in their own safety.
Vigilance is Key
The tragic death of Ryan Satterthwaite is a stark, heartbreaking reminder that the dangers of online viral trends are not fake news. They are very real, and they can be disastrous. As parents, you cannot afford to be passive observers. By understanding the allure of these trends, recognising the broad spectrum of risks, and engaging in proactive, open communication, you can equip your children to navigate the digital world safely. Vigilance is your strongest defence, and by working together, we can tip the scales back in favour of our children's safety and well-being.
As always, thank you for your support. Please share this across your social media, and if you do have any comments, questions, or concerns, then feel free to reach out to me here or on BlueSky, as I am always happy to spend some time helping to protect children online.
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