TikTok trend puts children at risk: 4 tips to help parents protect their children

What is the pilot challenge?

The pilot challenge is a viral trend that is especially popular among teens and children and is very dangerous. It involves a participant hyperventilating violently and then applying pressure to a specific part of their body until they pass out. This state of unconsciousness is often seen as a short-lived ‘rush’, but the risks are enormous and certainly not without harm. Between dance and cat videos, there is always critical content on platforms like YouTube Shorts, TikTok and the like.

Such challenges are not only dangerous, but can also be life-threatening. Deliberately causing unconsciousness is extremely risky and can result in serious health problems or even death.

Florian Buschmann, founder of “Offline Heroes”, is committed to preventing media addiction. Once affected himself, he knows the dangers. Every year, he and his team organize more than 300 events at schools with more than 10,000 participants. The “Offline Heroes” are committed to media literacy, prevention of media addiction and the correct use of AI. You know: the future starts with our children.

Moreover, the futility of these and similar challenges is obvious: there is no positive or constructive aspect to these actions. They simply represent a dangerous test of courage that brings no benefit but is accompanied by a high risk.

The role of short video platforms

Platforms like YouTube Shorts and TikTok contribute to the spread of such dangerous trends through their algorithms and rewards for viral content. Short, often spectacular videos gain high visibility and can easily be imitated. These platforms foster a culture of sensationalism in which risky behavior is often portrayed as cool or courageous.

It’s not the platform that’s the real problem, it’s our curiosity. What we watch helps spread the content further.

At the same time, several questions arise:

• Who is responsible?
• What does the state do or why does it do nothing?
• Is the regulation not sufficient?
• What role should platform operators play?

One thing is certain: as long as children face such challenges, a safe childhood is in danger!

Parental responsibility

Parents play a crucial role in protecting their children from such dangers. It is essential that parents are aware of the risks and take active steps to educate and protect their children:

1. Relief: Discover the latest trends yourself and talk to your children about the dangers of such challenges.
2. To have conversations: Create an open communication culture where your children feel safe to talk about their online activities.
3. Observation and control: Monitor the use of short video platforms and set restrictions if necessary.
4. Offer alternatives: Encourage healthy leisure activities and hobbies that can reduce your children’s interest in risky online trends.

Conclusion

The Pilot Challenge is just one example of the many dangerous trends circulating on short video platforms. It is the responsibility of parents to educate their children about the risks and help them make safe and healthy decisions in the digital space. By supporting and protecting our children, we can help prevent such tragic incidents and create a safer online environment.