The Pass-out Challenge
(Space Monkey or Choking Game)
WHAT IS IT? This gained popularity last year, when children were filmed deliberately choking themselves to the point where they passed out in an attempt to reach a euphoric high.
It has been blamed for several deaths, including that of Karnel Houghton, 12, from Birmingham.
Just last month, headteacher Paul Ramsey, of Verulam School, in St Albans, Herts, told how he was forced to hold an assembly to warn pupils about the dangers of the online game after he discovered children at the school were trying to play after seeing videos of it on social media.
WHAT’S THE RISK? Physical injury, sharing of inappropriate content
ADVICE Before they are given access to social media, have a conversation with your child about dangerous trends and urge them to talk to you or a trusted adult if they hear about or see anything worrying.
Talk to your child in a relaxed setting so they don’t feel they are being interrogated.
Look for signs of the challenge, including bruises on their neck or bloodshot eyes.
If you have concerns that your child’s friends may be taking part in a dangerous trend, alert their school.