Not all the time we have our eyes on our Kids, so we should teach them what to do with Challenges from TikTok
Every few months, word of another perilous TikTok "challenge" spreads, terrifying parents everywhere. From the "Skull-Breaker Challenge" to the "Benadryl Challenge," kids are constantly coming up with new, deadly methods to challenge each other to damage or even kill themselves. The most recent recirculation is known as the "Blackout Challenge," in which a person intentionally attempts to choke themselves or someone else in order to obtain a "high." While we should absolutely warn our children about this specific challenge, it also emphasizes the importance of teaching them to think critically about all of the challenges and dares they may encounter.
These challenges aren't new; in fact, the Blackout Challenge has been around for decades. But, unlike trying to impress a few peers at a party, "performing" them on social media means a larger audience and perhaps bigger payout in terms of "likes" and attention. Add to that a pandemic that has left kids feeling more alone, anxious, and unhappy than usual, and they may be more likely to attempt one.
That is why we must include this topic in our running list of huge, critical conversations we must have with our children as they grow older.
Teach them the fundamentals.
If your children use any type of social media site, we should teach them not just the ins and outs of digital safety, but also about these issues and how to prevent them. You can begin by discussing some of the various issues you've heard about, including the few I described above, as well as the tragic injuries and fatalities that have occurred as a result. Some kids will perceive them as hazardous, silly behaviors and avoid them, while others will be drawn to them because they are risky and ridiculous.
Discuss with them how to think critically about the outcomes of any of these "challenges." If the goal is to get "high" or experience some kind of altered mental state, it's dangerous and could have long-term consequences; and because some of these challenges, such as the Skull-Breaker Challenge, are pulled on unwitting participants, they should be wary of agreeing to participate in anyone else's video if they're not completely sure what's going on.
Because these are frequently referred to as "challenges," they can be easy for children to identify—the term itself can indicate a harmful activity. But we should also discuss how many physical "dares" should be avoided in general. Remind them that whatever social clout they gain in the short term isn't worth it if someone gets hurt—or worse—as a result.
Assist them in developing responses
Children desire approval from their peers, and the pressure to be liked and to belong can be a powerful incentive that leads them to do things they would not ordinarily do. It's a good idea to plan out how they'd answer ahead of time so they're prepared with a snappy rebuttal if they start to feel compelled to do something they know is a poor idea.
Personally, I appreciate the answer my son's martial arts instructor has taught the students in his class. When someone asks you to do something you know is stupid, he responds, "Dude, I'm not doing that; it's stupid." It's really simple and powerful, and it puts the onus back on the idiot who is offering ridiculous things. They could also try something less aggressive, like "Nah, no thanks, I'm not into it."
It's also a good idea to teach your children a secret code that they may use with you to assist them get out of a jam in person. They text you a preset code message (an "X" or a phrase you all agree on), and you call them a few minutes later and say something has come up at home and you need to come get them right away—and you'll explain when you get there. This allows your tween or adolescent to leave quickly without having to explain why.
You should also encourage children to report anything distressing or harmful on social media. Encourage them to be a part of the solution in order to keep other children (who may be more readily swayed) safe.
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SOURCE: lifehacker
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