We all remember when the ALS ice bucket challenge went viral in an attempt to raise awareness about the disease, right? This challenge was for a beneficial cause. Although chilly, it was not dangerous. In contrast, many of the challenges cooked up on social media are extremely dangerous. Often challenges require that participants to do an activity that results in pain or illness. Some of the higher-risk challenges can even result in death. From consuming indigestible amounts of food/drink to snorting substances to burning oneself, all of these activities have been trending over the past few years.
One reason is that they want to fit in with their peers. The desire to be accepted is powerful and can lead to risky behavior. If a challenge has gone viral, the pressure to participate increases. Similarly, kids may want to show off by proving their strength and stamina in completing a challenge. YouTube has many channels with millions of followers, promoting ordinary people to online stardom. YouTube celebrities are popular and they promote these challenges. Because of this their fan base will become interested in trying it.
You may have heard of the cinnamon challenge, in which participants try to eat a spoonful of cinnamon. This results in lots of coughing and possible choking, vomiting, or inhalation. However, a popular YouTube star, beloved by kids and teens alike, gained a massive 47 million views of the video. Showing her fans trying the cinnamon challenge per requests. Some kids record videos of themselves participating in challenges. With the goal of popularity measured by the number of views on YouTube.
By getting the conversation started, you can talk with your child about any new trends in challenges, the reasons why they are dangerous, and how to avoid any peer pressure they may be facing in regards to participating in the challenges. A great response for your child to say when being pressured to try a challenge is, “it’s not worth the risk.” While the trending challenges may be changing, the need to talk about safety remains crucial.
Source: YouTube
The parenting manual offering solutions to the modern-day challenges families face. From Pre-K
through College stay up to date on the modern day issues families face.
MASK Mothers Awareness on School-age Kids offers parenting solutions for today’s families. MASK tackles important topics – from drugs and alcohol to bullying and Internet safety -and gives students, parents and the community the knowledge and tools to manage these potential challenges.
Subscribe today! https://www.maskmatters.org/product/mask-the-magazine/
Download and share the MASKmatters app now! Made for children, parents, teachers and in Spanish.
Have solutions at your fingertips
Available free on apple and google play links below
Apple https://apps.apple.com/us/app/maskmatters/id1482305692
Google Play
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.maskmatters.maskmattersapp&hl=en_US&gl=US