Daijiworld Media Network – Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi, Feb 27: With the rapid rise of social media usage among children and teenagers, education and health authorities across the United Arab Emirates have raised fresh concerns over the resurfacing of dangerous viral challenges that risk causing serious — even fatal — harm.
Schools have alerted authorities about incidents involving students attempting unsafe physical dares, including choking, breath-holding, and applying pressure to the neck or head as part of online trends circulating on platforms such as TikTok.
Among the most concerning trends is the “Skull Breaker Challenge,” which first went viral in 2020. The stunt involves tricking a person into jumping and then deliberately tripping them mid-air, causing them to fall backward, often landing on their head or back.
Medical professionals warn that what may begin as a prank can quickly escalate into a life-threatening situation.
Dr Rabea Abazeed, Specialist in Paediatrics at Burjeel Medical Centre, Al Shamkha, described such viral challenges as “extremely dangerous,” cautioning that they can result in serious and sometimes permanent harm.
“The ‘skull breaker’ stunt causes a sudden, uncontrolled fall, which can lead to head injuries such as concussions, skull fractures, brain injury, or spinal trauma,” she said.
Equally alarming is the so-called “blackout challenge,” which involves intentionally restricting oxygen to the brain until one feels lightheaded or loses consciousness.
Dr Renuka Ramasamy, Specialist Family Medicine at International Modern Hospital, Dubai, warned that the practice can lead to hypoxia — oxygen deprivation — causing irreversible brain damage or death within minutes.
“The brain is extremely sensitive to lack of oxygen. This type of hypoxia quickly injures brain cells and can have irreversible effects,” she cautioned.
According to the National Center for Health Research in the United States, at least 82 children aged between 6 and 19 died between 1995 and 2007 due to choking game-related activities.
Experts note that adolescents between the ages of 9 and 16 are especially vulnerable as they undergo critical socio-emotional and neurological development. Increased screen time and exposure to risky content can affect areas of the brain responsible for impulse control and emotional regulation.
Combined with peer pressure and the desire for social validation through “likes” and “comments,” the urge to participate in dangerous challenges can intensify significantly.
Educational institutions in the UAE are proactively addressing the issue. At Nord Anglia International School Abu Dhabi, Deputy Headteacher (Secondary) Stephanie Watson said the school conducts student-focused “Wellbeing Expos” led by counsellors and trained wellbeing ambassadors to openly discuss real issues, including harmful online trends.
The school also incorporates a structured digital safety programme within its Personal, Social and Moral Education (PSME) curriculum, tailored to different year groups.
Health experts urge parents to remain vigilant for warning signs such as bloodshot eyes, red spots around the eyes, unexplained bruises on the neck, frequent severe headaches, and disorientation after spending time alone.
Sudden secrecy around devices, hidden group chats, and language that normalises risky stunts may also signal involvement.
Open communication remains key, experts emphasise. Parents are encouraged to engage their children in regular conversations about online interests and school discussions, even if the child does not personally use social media.
Additionally, implementing parental controls and setting time limits on device usage can promote safer and healthier digital habits.
Authorities reiterate that early awareness and proactive communication are crucial to preventing potentially tragic consequences stemming from viral online trends.