The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) and the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) issue an urgent warning to parents about kids trying risky social media stunts at school. These include choking games, holding breath, pressing on necks or heads, and the skull breaker challenge, where a student is intentionally made to fall. This was a dangerous social media trend, primarily circulating on TikTok in early 2020,
The authorities further stated that these acts cut off oxygen or blood to the brain in seconds, risking permanent damage, fainting, falls, seizures, or heart issues. The KHDA has issued a strict notice that, although children may present these actions as jokes or play, they pose serious and immediate risks to students' health and safety.
KHDA advises parents to pay attention to physical signs like neck bruises, red marks, headaches, dizziness, or bloodshot eyes. Behavioural signs include sudden secrecy about online activity, talking about challenges or risky games, unexplained mood or behaviour changes, and wearing clothing to hide the neck area.
Parents who notice any of these signs should speak to their child immediately and contact the school if concerns persist. Additionally, parents are also urged to remain attentive to their child's online activities.
The KHDA emphasises that whilst schools are addressing this matter directly with students, parent partnership is essential to reinforce safety messages beyond the school environment.