Boy dies after attempting dangerous social media trend; What is blackout challenge?

A 12-year-old boy in the United Kingdom died after attempting a social media trend known as the "blackout challenge."

According to West Yorkshire Police, the incident occurred in Castleford on Friday. The boy, identified as Sebastian, was taken to the hospital where it was "later confirmed he had died," police said.

The "blackout challenge," also referred to as the "choking challenge," is a viral trend popular on social media platforms like TikTok.

It encourages participants to hold their breath until they lose consciousness. The practice can cause severe brain damage and has proven fatal in multiple instances.

Authorities stated that investigations to "establish exactly what happened" are ongoing.

A GoFundMe appeal described the tragedy as the result of a “dangerous internet challenge,” calling it a “tragedy beyond words.” The page added, “That one moment online changed everything.”

“No parent should ever have to bury their child,” the fundraiser continued. “No one should ever endure such heartbreak.”

The appeal urged families to engage with their children about their online habits: “Ask what they watch, who they talk to, what inspires them. Be present. Don’t assume ‘my child would never do that.’”

It warned that “the online world can be as dangerous as the real one – sometimes even more so.”