In recent years, there has been an alarming rise in dangerous viral challenges on the video-sharing app TikTok that promote self-harm and suicide among youth. Videos tagged with hashtags like #suicidechallenge and #blackoutchallenge encourage users, often very young teens and pre-teens, to participate in high-risk behavior like choking themselves to achieve a temporary high. According to a report by The New York Post, many children have died or suffered serious injury attempting these challenges, which are frequently circulated under the guise of games, pranks or trends on the app.
One particularly dangerous challenge is the “blackout challenge,” in which participants attempt to choke themselves until passing out. The inherently hazardous nature of this challenge has led to multiple child deaths that parents tie directly to the viral spread of the blackout challenge on TikTok. Lawsuits have been filed accusing TikTok of negligence for not properly safeguarding its young user base from this type of graphic content.
While TikTok has said it works to remove videos promoting self-harm, users frequently find ways around filters and moderation. The platform’s youthful demographics and algorithmic feed make it particularly susceptible to this type of dangerous viral content. The rise in suicide and self-harm challenges on TikTok has amplified concerns about social media’s impact on children’s mental health and wellbeing.
Provide statistics on rise in youth suicide
Suicide rates among youth have been rising over the past two decades. According to the CDC, youth and young adults ages 10-24 account for 15% of all suicides in the United States. The suicide rate for this age group was 11.0 per 100,000 in 2020, up from 6.8 per 100,000 in 2000.
A report from the American Psychological Association found that between 2000 and 2018, the suicide rate among youth ages 10-24 rose from 6.8 to 10.7 per 100,000. This represents over a 50% increase in the suicide rate for this age group.
The Jason Foundation reports that there is an average of over 3,703 suicide attempts made each day by youth in grades 9-12 in the United States. This alarming statistic points to rising rates of suicidal ideation and attempts among teenagers.
While the reasons behind the rise in youth suicide are complex, increased stress, bullying, social media use, and lack of access to mental health resources may contribute to this concerning trend.
The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health
Social media usage can have a profound impact on mental health, especially for adolescents and teens. Several key ways social media affects mental health include:
Social Comparison
Seeing curated glimpses into others’ lives can lead to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem. Teens may compare themselves negatively to the carefully curated images they see on social media (1).
Cyberbullying
Harassment, bullying, and threats online have been linked to depression and anxiety in teens. Social media increases the likelihood of cyberbullying occurring (2).
Lack of Sleep
The constant stream of notifications and fear of missing out can lead to later bedtimes and less sleep. Insufficient sleep is tied to poorer mental health (3).
Unrealistic Expectations
Social media creates pressure to present perfect versions of oneself and one’s life. Trying to live up to unrealistic standards is linked to anxiety and depression (2).
Detail specific challenges on TikTok
One of the most significant existing worries about TikTok are the prominent dangerous trends, especially among adolescent users or teens. The viral challenges, while intended to be amusing, often encourage unsafe or harmful behavior. While not all users partake in these challenges, the large reach of TikTok means even niche trends can gain traction rapidly.
Some of the most hazardous TikTok challenges include:
Blackout challenge: This challenge encourages others to choke themselves until they pass out. It is also sometimes called the choking challenge or a challenge of fainting. According to the CDC, 82 children have died from this challenge in the United States from 1995 to 20071. In 2021, a 10-year-old Italian girl died after attempting the challenge while filming herself on TikTok2.
Pass out challenge: Similar to the blackout challenge, this viral stunt urges people to choke themselves with household items, such as belts or purse strings, until they pass out. At least 82 kids have died from related challenges between 1995 and 2007 1.
Benadryl challenge: This involves taking excessive doses of Benadryl (diphenhydramine) to induce hallucinations and a serious high. Side effects may include seizures, heart problems, coma or death. A 15-year-old Oklahoma girl died after overdosing on diphenhydramine while attempting this challenge in 20202.
Discuss vulnerabilities of TikTok’s young users
TikTok’s user base skews very young, with over 30% between the ages of 10 and 19 (https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/sg-youth-mental-health-social-media-advisory.pdf). This makes them particularly vulnerable on the platform in the following ways:
Susceptibility to peer pressure – Adolescents are highly motivated by peer approval and acceptance. The mechanics of TikTok, with its ability to “duet” or “stitch” other’s videos, facilitate peer pressure. Teens may feel pressured to participate in viral challenges or film risky behavior to gain likes and followers.
Lack of emotional maturity – The rational part of teens’ brains is still developing, making them more impulsive. They also lack life experience to handle complex emotions. This leaves them susceptible to anxiety, bullying, comparisons, and external validation seeking when using social media.
Provide expert opinions on the issue
This concerning trend has caught the attention of mental health experts, who have weighed in with analysis and advice. Dr. Amy Morin, a licensed clinical social worker, told CNN that “TikTok can become addictive very quickly. The quick videos make it easy for kids to endlessly scroll.” She expressed concern about how the algorithm can promote content related to depression, anxiety, and suicide to vulnerable users (source).
Jean Twenge, a psychologist and author of research on social media and mental health, stated that “Heavy users of social media are more likely to report poor mental health and suicidal thoughts.” She recommends setting limits on phone use as many teens underestimate the amount of time spent scrolling (source).
Dr. John Torous, director of digital psychiatry at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, cautions against the app’s “undiagnosis” trend where users claim to be misdiagnosed with mental illness. He emphasizes the need for proper evaluation by a mental health professional (source).
Discuss TikTok’s responsibility and response
As a social media platform with a large userbase of teens and young adults, TikTok has a responsibility to protect its users, especially minors. TikTok has implemented various policies, controls, and initiatives to improve safety on the platform, though there are still areas needing improvement.
TikTok has community guidelines prohibiting content related to suicide, self-harm, dangerous acts, and eating disorders. They use technologies like AI to detect violations and remove inappropriate content. TikTok also allows users to report concerning content. On their safety site, they outline their approach to protecting teens online, including restricting direct messaging and duet/stitch for younger users.
TikTok provides safety controls like screen time management, restricted mode, and privacy settings. Their Guardian’s Guide offers resources to help parents monitor their child’s activity.
However, critics argue TikTok needs stricter age verification, algorithm changes to limit harmful content, and more parental oversight tools. While TikTok has taken steps for minor safety, they can further improve by listening to experts, researchers, and the community.
Highlight efforts to promote awareness
Many organizations and advocates are working to promote awareness around youth mental health and suicide prevention. The CDC has a social media toolkit to help spread prevention messaging. Advocacy groups like the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) provide shareable social media messages to raise awareness. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) also offers free graphics and videos on suicide prevention to distribute.
There are also educational campaigns focused specifically on youth mental wellness. Organizations like Active Minds and the Jed Foundation visit high schools and colleges to promote mindfulness, reduce stigma around mental illness, and teach students skills for emotional well-being. Crisis text lines like Crisis Text Line and Teen Line allow teens to access support discreetly. All these efforts aim to spread awareness, provide resources, and ultimately save young lives.
Provide resources for concerned parents
Parents can take steps to monitor their children’s TikTok use and discuss potential challenges. TikTok offers features like Family Pairing that allow parents to limit screen time and restrict certain types of content. Having open conversations with kids about online safety and setting clear expectations can help mitigate risks. If issues arise, parents can talk to their child’s pediatrician or seek professional counseling. The key is maintaining trust and communication, while empowering kids to use technology responsibly.
End with a message of hope
Despite the concerning trends, there is still much hope. The key is encouraging connection and speaking up when there are concerns. Research shows that youth who feel connected at home, school, and in their communities are less likely to consider suicide. Parents, teachers, friends, coaches, and mentors can make a huge difference by listening without judgement, taking warning signs seriously, and guiding youth to appropriate supports. Platforms like TikTok also have a responsibility to promote safe use of their services. With compassion, vigilance, and care for our youth, we can curb these tragic outcomes. There are always alternatives, even when situations seem bleak or impossible to overcome. If you see warning signs in a young person, reach out, speak up, and help them understand they are valued, supported, and never alone. Together, we can protect and empower the next generation.
