INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — If you’re on social media you’ve probably noticed a variety of “challenge” videos being circulated online. Some of them are meant to be humorous while some have proven to be deadly.
One of the latest challenges is called the “pass-out challenge.” Videos online shows someone pressing against the person’s chest until they pass out.
But doctors are warning parents and children that this “challenge” alters the heart rate drastically.
The game is similar to the choking game. That cuts off oxygen to the brain causing the person to pass out and experience a euphoric high in the process.
IU Health Pediatrician, Dr. Michael McKenna states “this could have a long-term impact, any time you’re messing with oxygen supply to the brain you are putting yourself at extreme risk. Whether that’s risk of death or whether that’s risk of damage to the brain”.
Mom, Jeannine Guarino says that’s why she’s on social media to keep up with what kids are trying these days, so she’s always informed.
“And that’s the scary part because a lot of people don’t know about it. Don’t go on social media so that’s scares me more because they’re not aware so its important to make people aware of what’s going on so they can talk to their kids,” said Guarino.
Dr. McKenna says this is a lesson to parents to have an open dialogue about online trends, so children are comfortable having these sorts of talks with their parents.