Viral Challenges Pose Escalating Threat to Children and Teens
A growing number of dangerous online trends are putting young people at risk, with one recent case involving a teenager hospitalized in intensive care after a medication overdose.
The proliferation of viral challenges on social media continues to present a significant and increasing danger to children and adolescents. These seemingly harmless proposals, widely disseminated among young people, often conceal perilous practices that can lead to severe health consequences. A recent case in Valencia, Spain, highlights the gravity of the situation: a teenager spent several days in the intensive care unit (ICU) at the Hospital de Manises after participating in a challenge that involved ingesting the highest possible quantity of the strongest medication available in his home.
The case was detailed at a recent congress of the Spanish Association of Pediatrics by doctors María Sinisterra and Victoria Ordoño, authors of the study “The Other Side of Social Networks: Viral Challenges, Fatal Consequences.” According to the doctors, who work in the Pediatric Area of the Hospital de Manises and treated the affected teenager, the young patient “consumed several pills of a medication indicated for a neurological condition, which caused a significant alteration of consciousness.” He was brought to a healthcare center by a family member after suffering an accident, having reportedly made plans to participate in the challenge with peers earlier that day, as reported by TVE.
Following inquiries to the family regarding potential substance or medication use, laboratory tests revealed elevated levels of the drug in the teenager’s system. He confirmed his participation in the challenge upon regaining consciousness. The authors emphasized that these types of challenges “can pose a vital risk” to patients, who are typically very young. Viral challenges often serve as a means for young people to demonstrate bravery and gain validation from their peers. Consequently, the experts recommend psychiatric follow-up and assessment of “self-criticism” following such incidents, as was the case with the affected teenager.
The Rise of Dangerous Online Trends
In recent years, numerous dangerous viral challenges have circulated among young people in Spain and internationally, primarily through social media platforms. Many of these challenges have presented serious risks to the physical and mental health of those involved. Last December, the Spanish Society for Pediatric Emergencies issued a warning regarding the “Superman Challenge,” documenting several cases of minors sustaining injuries, fractures, or concussions after being launched into the air to imitate the superhero’s flying pose.
Other challenges have prompted alerts from the National Police and Public Health authorities, such as the “clonazepam challenge” from several years ago, which encouraged young people to ingest anti-anxiety medication and attempt to remain awake the longest.
These incidents underscore the urgent need for increased awareness and preventative measures to protect vulnerable youth from the dangers lurking within the digital landscape. The potential for severe, even fatal, consequences demands a proactive approach from parents, educators, and social media platforms alike.
