Archie’s death, 12: A young Englishman’s dangerous TikTok challenge What is the “Blackout Challenge”?

For 4 months, a 12-year-old English boy named Archie Battersbee was brain dead and in a coma. After a legal battle between his parents and the English healthcare system, the care kept him alive Arrested this Saturday, August 6, ended his life. This boy took part in a TikTok challenge that has been wreaking havoc for almost a year now: The Blackout Challenge.

New scarf game

This dangerous new challenge is all about holding your breath as long as possible. It appeared on TikTok a year ago and at least 7 children under the age of 15 are believed to have died after participating in it.

This challenge is spreading like wildfire on the internet. In 2021, two children, aged 8 and 9, were found dead after the attempt. The girls’ families have complained against the application for recommending this type of content to children.

TikTok reaction

So the social network responded: the blackout challenge was not seen on the platform recently. In addition, TikTok warns its young users by displaying a blocking message if sensitive searches are conducted. However, the Chinese social network is criticized by many authorities, especially because of its algorithm.

In November 2021, the application released a report that revealed that one in five children’s mental health is affected by exposure to content on the platform. Significant damage, which is often pointed out on various social networks, especially on TikTok and Instagram.