In recent years, online challenges have become a growing danger, with increasing physical and mental risks, self-harm, and even death, the National Media and Infocommunications Authority (NMHH) said in a statement sent to Hungarian news agency MTI.
According to the NMHH, the spread of online challenges is not only an inherent part of online space and social services, but is increasingly part of the socialization of young people, especially teenagers.
As an example, the NMHH mentioned the cinnamon challenge, during which participants consume large quantities of cinnamon. However, inhaling cinnamon can cause pneumonia and damage to the airways.
The blackout challenge, which emerged around 2008 and became popular again in 2021 on TikTok, can end in death. The task in this case is to hold your breath until loss of consciousness. Prolonged deprivation of oxygen can result in death by asphyxiation, especially for children.
The spread of online challenges has also been greatly induced by social media, they wrote, adding that action has to be taken against the increasing number of challenges that were causing danger and death. The NMHH said that most social media sites have announced tougher action against such content.
“It is in our common interest that parents recognize when their child is in distress and even engaging in online challenges that put their physical or mental health at risk. To do this, they need to be aware of new online trends and help them avoid them, interpret them, and detect harmful effects early on,” the statement read.
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