Warning over pupils’ ‘passout challenge’

KAVANAGH College has warned parents about a viral social media trend in which children cause themselves to fall unconscious, as rumours swirl about pupils engaging in the dangerous practice.

Parents at the school received a notice warning against the dangers of the ‘‘passout chal lenge’’, in which children are hyperventilating or holding their breath to starve their brains of oxygen in order to pass out.

‘‘It has come to our attention that students are engaging in an activity where they hold their breath until they pass out,’’ the notice said.

‘‘This could be lifethreatening and clearly not a safe practice and one we do not want our students engaged in. Can you please have a discussion with your son/daughter about this issue and the consequences that could follow that might affect their own health and safety.

‘‘There has also been some evidence of this being videoed and shared. As with any issue or situation like this, filming it and sharing it on social media contravenes our digital citizenship agreement and is not acceptable behaviour at Kavanagh College. If you could also have a discussion around online safety we would appreciate it.’’

In March last year, an 11yearold South Carolina boy died after engaging in the challenge.

Kavanagh College assistant principal Tricia James said the school had received rumours of year 10 and 12 pupils engaging in the risky behaviour and posting videos on social media.

‘‘It’s so unsafe,’’ she said.

‘‘It’s not very widespread at this stage, but we wanted to keep it small and hopefully have that discussion at home between parents and pupils.’’

The notice was sent to parents as a ‘‘precautionary measure’’, so they could speak to their children about safe behaviour.

‘‘We have heard rumours that students are doing it at school.

‘‘But we haven’t got any clear evidence to talk to anyone to get any details.’’

Other pupils had approached teachers to raise concerns about it taking place.

‘‘We can talk to [pupils] here, obviously.

‘‘We thought it would be much better for parents to talk to them one on one,’’ she said.

Otago Secondary Principals Association secretary Gordon Wilson said the issue did not appear to be widespread and reports of pupils engaging in the behaviour had not reached him.

‘‘As a principals’ association we haven’t discussed it,’’ he said.

‘‘Clearly, it’s not a very safe practice and it’s something we want to discourage.’’