The Truth About Online Challenges: What’s Safe, What’s Not, and How to Know

There are online challenges on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and other platforms. They have the power to inspire, amuse, and even unite people. However, not all challenges are secure. Some can have harmful effects, so it's critical that carers and students understand the difference.

The Reasons Behind the Popularity of Online Challenges

Because they are simple to participate in and frequently entertaining to watch, online challenges gain popularity quickly. They are able to:

• Make people feel like they belong—everyone is doing it!

• Provide an opportunity to demonstrate your inventiveness.

• Give a brief boost in likes and attention.

• Encourage others to venture outside of their comfort zone or try something new.

However, there is a risk associated with this popularity. Even if the challenge seems uncertain, young people in particular may feel pressured to participate.

Why Is an Online Challenge a Risk?

Not every problem is the same. Some involve risky behaviour, while others are entirely harmless, such as a dance routine or art fad. Among the warning signs are:

• Physical danger: Anything that could cause harm, such as breathing restrictions, trying risky stunts, or consuming non-food items.

• Risks to privacy: Difficulties in requesting locations, private content, or personal information from participants.

• Trends that negatively target people or groups include bullying and shaming.

• Illegal actions include promoting trespassing, theft, and breaking the law.

• Peer pressure traps are circumstances in which "fitting in" or avoiding embarrassment serves as the primary driving force.

Examples from the Real World

Here are some well-known examples to help you better understand the difference:

Challenges That Are Safe

• The 2014 Ice Bucket Challenge was a safe, enjoyable way to help raise money and awareness for ALS research.

• Mannequin Challenge (2016): Innocent and inventive, people froze in place while being filmed.

• In the Flip the Switch Challenge (2020), friends or family members casually switched outfits.

• Sketch This in Your Own Way: Artists foster creativity by re-creating other people's work in their own unique style.

Dangerous or Unsecured Tasks

• Biting into laundry detergent pods, which are extremely toxic and dangerous, was the subject of the 2018 Tide Pod Challenge.

• Skull Breaker Challenge (2020): Two individuals suffered concussions and broken bones after tripping a third person mid-jump.

• Cinnamon Challenge: Choking or lung damage were common outcomes of swallowing a spoonful of cinnamon.

• Children were encouraged to hold their breath or choke themselves as part of the Blackout Challenge, which occasionally had tragic outcomes.

What's Fun and Safe!

Numerous online challenges are imaginative, constructive, and secure. Among the examples are:

• Lip-sync, dancing, or singing challenges

• Challenges in makeup, photography, or art

• Sports prowess or fitness (done responsibly)

• Challenges of kindness (such as giving praise or praising others)

• Learning or reading difficulties (such as completing a specific number of books)

These let people express themselves without endangering their safety or health.

How to Tell the Difference

The following brief advice can help students and carers assess a challenge:

• Verify the source: From where did it originate? Is it being promoted by a random account or by a reputable creator?

• Evaluate the danger: "Could this hurt me or someone else?"

• Consider the long term: Will this material later cause embarrassment or harm?

• Have faith in your intuition: It's probably not worth it if it makes you uncomfortable.

• Discuss it: If something seems suspect, students should feel free to ask their parents, teachers, or friends.

Advice for Carers

Keep yourself updated: Find out what difficulties children are seeing on the internet and watch some with them.

• Keep in touch: Maintain frank discussions about internet trends and establish a space free from bias.

• Remain composed: When your child shows interest in a dangerous task, address the subject with curiosity rather than punishment.

• Establish limits: Assist children in establishing digital boundaries and promote safe online conduct.

• Set an example: Use social media in a balanced manner and discuss how you choose what to post.

Advice for Teachers

Teachers also have a part to play in guiding students through online culture. Teachers are able to:

• Raise consciousness in the classroom: When teaching digital literacy, use safe examples of challenges.

• Promote conversation: Establish public forums where students can discuss what they're seeing on the internet.

• Recognise warning indicators: If students are discussing or imitating risky trends, pay attention.

• Work together with the parents: Provide updates on any new issues that may affect the safety of students.

Given that they are a part of today's digital culture, online challenges are here to stay. Students can take advantage of the fun aspects of online trends while remaining safe if they know how to distinguish between what is and is not safe. In the meantime, carers can offer young people support and understanding. Incorporating digital safety into regular instruction is another way that educators can assist.

In actuality, online challenges can be inventive and thrilling, but safety should always come first. Students can make wise decisions and still have fun if they are guided, communicated with, and made aware of their surroundings.