Anxious parents distressed over ‘Skullbreaker’ challenge

PETALING JAYA: It may just be a prank that has caught on among the young across the globe but anxiety has already gripped many parents, for fear it might catch on here.

The prank, called the Skullbreaker challenge, which was made popular on the video-sharing app TikTok, is reported to have caused serious injuries, even deaths.

Deemed a senseless prank, it is carried out by three people, two who trick the third into jumping and while in mid air, the pair kick the “victim’s” feet from behind, most times causing the person to fall to the ground, landing on the back of his/her head and back.

The challenge is considered successfully met if the “victim” does not fall.

Since going viral, the prank has chalked up several victims.

In one case, a young Arizona boy in the United States was rushed to hospital where he received stitches after he sustained a head injury and severe cuts in his mouth.

In another incident, a 16-year-old girl in Brazil lost her life after participating in the challenge last November.

Authorities from Asian countries such as Indonesia and Thailand have already issued warnings against those who may engage in it, saying that any injury or death resulting from the challenge will result in a fine or jail time.

TikTok issued a statement saying its content moderation team will be on the lookout and monitor its content promptly.

To be on the safe side, ParentTeacher Association Collaborative Council president Assoc Prof Datuk Mohamad Ali Hasan has urged the relevant authorities to curb the spread of the video.

“We call on the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission to help block the videos as much as possible.

“We also urge parents to monitor their children’s activities and advise them against following the harmful trend.”

He called on school teachers and caretakers to be vigilant and inform the authorities if they come across students engaging in the “challenge” or other dangerous activities.

Ramesh Ram Ramalu, a former physical education teacher at SMK Laki-Laki Methodist Kuala Lumpur said: “Usually, when we as teachers receive or watch such videos trending on social media, we would inform fellow teachers who are not aware about them. The matter would also be tabled at our monthly meetings so that teachers are aware and can keep an eye on the matter.”

Sunway Healthcare has disseminated an infographic poster online, warning parents of the dangers of the challenge.

It says the Skullbreaker challenge can cause traumatic brain injury, which may lead to torn tissues and bleeding in the brain, eventually resulting in death.

The challenge can pose other dangers which include sore shoulders, bruised elbows, broken bones in the wrist and others.

On why the challenge would attract the younger generation despite being injurious, Assoc Prof Jeyarajah Selvadurai, a psychiatry lecturer, said it provides two different “gains”.

“The primary gain would be the adrenaline rush that comes from taking part in the act and it could also be that the persons suggesting the challenge may have the intention of hurting someone.

“The secondary gain would be social acceptance, being famous, appreciated and what not,” said Jeyarajah.