How can you tell if a viral challenge is dangerous?
A viral challenge is dangerous if anyone could get hurt, physically or emotionally, if you wouldn't do it offline without a camera, or if you feel you can't say no. Some trends are harmless fun, others cause injuries or humiliate people. Don't share dangerous challenges, report them in the app and tell a trusted adult.
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Why it matters
Everyone's doing a challenge right now. Some are funny, some are risky or mean, and the pressure to join in can be huge. Three quick questions help you decide for yourself.
In 5 minutes you'll be able to
- Three questions: Could anyone get hurt? Would I do it offline? Can I say no?
- Don't share dangerous trends, report them.
- Saying no is brave, even when everyone's watching.
What you'll practise
The 3-question check
Before you join a trend, ask yourself these three questions.
- 🩹 Could anyone get hurt?
- Physically or emotionally, you or someone else. If yes: don't do it.
- 🏫 Would I do this offline?
- Would you do it in the playground, where everyone can see you, without a phone or likes?
- ✋ Can I say no?
- If you feel forced, that's already a warning sign. You can always back out.
Trend check
These trends are made up. Use the 3-question check.
- #DanceWithGran: a dance with your gran or grandad → Could be fun
- #WhoLastsLonger: doing something until it hurts → Better not
- #PrankYourTeacher: secretly film a teacher and humiliate them → Better not
- #LitterPickChallenge: before-and-after photos of the park → Could be fun
- #NightDare: go somewhere alone at night and film it → Better not
- #RoastYourMate: post a nasty comment about a friend → Better not
- #3BooksChallenge: show your three favourite books → Could be fun
When everyone's watching
What do you say or do?
Your friends are already filming and shouting: “Go on, do it! Otherwise you're a wimp!”
- “Nah, can't be bothered.” (Answer)
- Join in so no one laughs
- “I've got to go anyway.” and leave (Answer)
You see a challenge online where kids are putting themselves in danger. What do you do?
- Don't share it, report it and tell an adult (Answer)
- Forward it with “Mad, look at this!”
Remember
Saying no to a dare is braver than joining in.
Saying no to a dare takes more courage than joining in.
Key facts
- In 2020 the US Food and Drug Administration warned about a social media challenge that encouraged teens to take high doses of a common allergy medicine, after reports of teens needing emergency care. · Source: US FDA, Drug Safety Communication, September 2020
- Every like, comment and share tells a platform's algorithm that a video is interesting, so it can show it to more people. Reporting instead of sharing helps stop a harmful trend.
- Some scary “challenges” are hoaxes. Spreading panicked warnings about them can make them more famous, so check with a trusted source before passing them on.
- Filming someone without permission to humiliate them and posting it online can count as harassment or cyberbullying, even when it's called a prank.
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Questions people ask
Why do kids do dangerous online challenges?
Mostly for attention, likes and to belong, often under pressure from friends who are filming. Knowing you're allowed to say no, and having an easy excuse ready, makes it much easier to step back.
How do I report a dangerous challenge?
Use the report button on the post or video and choose the option for dangerous acts or self-harm. Don't share it, not even as a warning, and tell a trusted adult.
Are all viral challenges bad?
No. Many trends are creative and fun, like dances or litter picks. The 3-question check helps you tell the fun ones from the harmful ones.
How do you say no to a dare without looking uncool?
Keep it short and casual, like “Nah, can't be bothered”, or use an excuse and leave. Most people respect someone who calmly says no.
Related terms