Blackout Tiktok’s challenge: how to protect children

The Blackout Tiktok challenge, also known as “suffocation game” or “approval challenge”, is a very dangerous trend that implies cutting oxygen to the brain to induce a brief euphoric sensation. Participants often drown or make someone more apply pressure on their necks. While this may sound shocking, it is precisely this sense of danger and validation of peers that makes such challenges attractive to curious children and adolescents.

The challenge is presented in a way that minimizes the risks, showing participants laughing or moving away. What they do not show are serious risks, such as brain damage or even death, which can result from suffocation.

It is possible that many parents are not aware of the suffocation game. Our goal is to raise awareness among caregivers, medical care suppliers and educators so that they can recognize warning signals.

How and when did the Blackout Tiktok challenge begin?

The “suffocation game” is not new, but the Blackout Challenge has received renewed attention in Tiktok in recent years. The Tiktok algorithm, designed to promote the content of participation and trend, has helped such dangerous challenges that extend rapidly. When users interact with this type of videos, even more similar content is often shown, creating a cycle that amplifies the trend.

The Blackout Challenge reports resurfaced in 2021 and continue to appear sporadically, pointing to impressionable young users. The presence of the challenge on social networks platforms makes it especially difficult to track and regulate, leaving many parents without realizing their existence until a tragedy occurs.

The US disease control and prevention centers have identified warning signals that could indicate that a child is trying to this challenge, including:

Blood -injected eyes
Brands or neck bruises
Severe headaches
Feel confused or disoriented after being alone

Known incidents

Brugon’s challenge is not a new problem. Between 1995 and 2008, CDC attributed 82 deaths to the suffocation game. Recent data suggest at least 20 more deaths in later years. These amazing statistics underline the need for consciousness and preventive measures to keep children safe.

These incidents stand out how dangerous the trend can be:

2021, Palermo, Italy: A girl lost her life after trying Blackout Challenge, which according to the reports discovered in Tiktok. She used a belt to drown and was found unconscious by her family. This tragic event led the Italian authorities to take measures against Tiktok, urging the platform to improve user security. (fountain Newsweek)

2021, Colorado, USA.: A 12 -year -old boy was found unconscious in his room after trying the challenge alone. His family then confirmed that he had been influenced by what he saw online. (fountain: People.com)

2022, legal actions: The families of the victims filed demands against Tiktok, accusing the platform not to prevent the dangerous content from reaching young users.

After several years of relative silence, the “Blackout Challenge” once again was news in April 2024 when two students in South Orange, New Jersey, fainted while trying the game. One of the students was taken to the hospital due to respiratory difficulties after recovering consciousness, while the other received medical attention from school staff.

How to protect your children

The tragic stories associated with the blackout challenge serve as a reminder of the lasting consequences that online trends can have. Protecting your child from the harmful challenges online is not always easy, but it can make a difference through open communication, education and active participation. Here are some ways in which you can help:

Talk openly about Internet safety. He believes an environment where his child feels safe talking about what he sees online. Ask questions such as: “Have you heard of any challenge on Tiktok?” Or “What do your friends think about online trends?” Let it be clear that they will not be judged or punished for sharing.
Educate about risks. Explain in simple terms why challenges such as Blackout Challenge are dangerous. Use examples to describe how lack of oxygen can cause serious damage, such as brain damage or even death.
Monitor your online activity. Make sure your Tiktok profile is configured for private and restrict who can send them messages or see your publications. Bitdefender parental control It helps you monitor your use of Tiktok (and other applications) and how long they spend in them. It helps you block websites and suspicious links, limit downloads and alert it on unusual behavior. You can establish Internet time limits and obtain information about your child’s online activities. It is included in all plans of the Bitdefender family; You just have to download it on your child’s devices and use it.
Establish clear limits. Establish rules on the use of social networks. For example, become a family rule to avoid participating in any challenge unless they have discussed it together. This helps teach them to think critically about what they see online.
Inform dangerous content. If you watch videos that promote harmful challenges, inform them immediately to the platform. Teach your child how to do the same. Informing dangerous content helps to prevent others from seeing it and reduces the spread of harmful trends.
Look for professional help if necessary. If you suspect that your child has tried or is considering trying a harmful challenge, do not hesitate to communicate with a pediatrician, advisor or psychologist. They can provide support and resources adapted to the needs of your child.

Frequent questions

What is Blackout Tiktok’s challenge and why is it dangerous?

The Blackout Tiktok challenge, also known as the “suffocation game” or the “approval challenge”, is a viral trend where participants intentionally restrict oxygen to their brains to experience a brief sensation of euphoric. This challenge is dangerous because it can cause brain damage, unconsciousness and even death. The videos that promote the challenge often minimize these risks, so it is even more harmful to young and impressionable spectators.

How can parents recognize if their child participates in the Blackout Challenge?

Parents must observe signs such as blood injected eyes, bruises or neck marks, frequent severe headaches or confusion after spending time alone. These could indicate attempts for challenge. Staying involved in your child’s digital life and talking openly about online trends can also help you detect and address such early risky behaviors.

How can I protect my son from Tiktok dangerous challenges like Blackout Challenge?

To protect your child, talk openly about the risks of online challenges, use an appropriate language for age to explain hazards and establish clear rules about the use of social networks. Regularly monitor your online activity and use parents control tools to restrict access to harmful content. Promote critical thinking and inform dangerous videos to the platform. If you suspect that your child has tried the challenge, seek immediate support.