critical — Severe risk of harm — act on this one today.active — Currently happening — we are seeing recent reports.Dangerous Challenge
The 'Blackout Challenge' (choking / pass-out dares) on video feeds
A recurring viral dare urges children to make themselves pass out — it has been linked to multiple children's deaths.
One of several dangerous viral 'challenges' spreading on short-video feeds we track.
How it works
- Also known as the 'choking game' or 'pass-out challenge', this dare resurfaces under new names and pressures children to deliberately cut off their breathing until they briefly lose consciousness, for a 'high' or for views.
- It spreads through short-video feeds and algorithmic recommendations, where one viral clip can reach millions of young viewers before it is taken down.
- There is no safe version: losing consciousness this way can cause seizures, brain injury, or death within minutes — and children, often attempting it alone, have died.
Warning signs to watch for
- Unexplained marks or bruising on the neck, frequent severe headaches, or bloodshot eyes.
- Disorientation after time alone, or questions about fainting, 'the choking game', or a named 'blackout' dare.
- Belts, ropes, drawstrings, or leashes found tied to furniture or in odd places in the bedroom.
What you can do
- Talk plainly and early: 'passing-out' games can kill, there is no safe way to do them, and the brain is harmed within minutes without oxygen.
- Turn on platform restricted / Family Pairing modes, and report dare videos so the feed stops promoting them.
- Keep the conversation open and non-judgmental so they'll tell you what's going around — and remember the dare recurs and changes names.
- If you suspect your child has tried it, seek medical advice immediately; call your pediatrician, or in an emergency call 911.
In the news
Genuine reporting on this threat from established news organizations. Press play to watch in place; links are re-verified on a schedule, so a clip that is taken down is flagged and removed.
- critical — Severe risk of harm — act on this one today.ABC7
Parents sue TikTok for the death of their 9-year-old after the 'Blackout Challenge'
Sources
In immediate danger? Contact local authorities. To report exploitation, use the NCMEC CyberTipline.
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