Fads are nothing new, especially with children. Personally, I remember pokemon cards; pogs in cereal; power pods football figures; slap bracelets and Tamagotchis! Even as adults, we see a lot of people wearing, doing, or saying something, and we want to try it, too. In today’s social media dominated world, fads can take the form of viral stunts captured on video, and since kids are sensitive to peer pressure and FOMO (fear of missing out), they’re often the first to want to try them.
These stunts are usually known as challenges, and range from harmless to downright idiotic, in all honesty. They can be silly yet funny (the Mannequin Challenge), slightly risky (the Make Your Own Slime Challenge), destructive and illegal (the Devious Licks Challenge), or even fatally dangerous (the Choking/Blackout Challenge).
In most cases, kids just watch them for entertainment on platforms like TikTok or YouTube. But sometimes, kids are inspired to try them out and share their own videos of the results.
We’ve talked about online behaviour before, but if you’re looking for some advice on talking to your little’uns about the latest social media challenge, check out these tips and conversation starters:
1. Talk about social media challenges
Though we can’t always be with our older kids and teens to prevent dangerous behavior, our words can stay with them. It might sound simple, but just asking a question or two can have a really lasting effect. Something like “Have you ever thought about doing an online challenge?”
Listen for hesitation, and let them know it’s OK for them to check in with you first before participating.
2. Get them to consider it first.
Help your kid think through the pros and cons of the challenge and decide for themselves if it’s safe or is potentially risky or dangerous. Stunts like the previously mentioned Devious Licks or Slap a Teacher challenges are not only morally wrong, but may have serious legal consequences when other people and property are harmed. Get your young person to think “What is this challenge asking you to do?” and encourage them to walk through each step, figuring out where things could go wrong and what could happen to them as a result.
3. Acknowledge (and remember!) peer pressure.
This is something that has always, and will always, exist. I’m sure you remember it from your school days; I sure do. Kids might feel pushed or pressured into participating in viral trends for a variety different reasons. Maybe it was a dare, they want attention, they don’t want to seem “chicken” or “uncool”, or even just that their friends are doing it. Challenge them to, however difficult it may be, think for themselves. Ask them “Why do you really want to do this? Is this a video of yourself that you really want out in the world?” Discuss with them about how their online videos can affect them in the future, with around 43% of employers admitting to checking digital footprints and social profiles before offering interviews.
4. Try to stay (somewhat) up to date with social media.
Be interested and ask your child/teen about what’s happening in their lives; even when it seems like they don’t want you to. Sometimes kids are more willing to talk about other kids than about themselves. Pose questions about friends, school, and trends such as “Would you consider doing a viral stunt if someone asked you? Which ones would you do and not do?” Try as much as possible to keep an open mind and only intervene if you’re concerned about the latest craze, and even then, try to discuss your concerns and why you feel this way.
5. Embrace the good ones, maybe even join in…
Encourage your kid to use their passions to find, or maybe even start, a positive online challenge! From feel-good dances (Blinding Lights from Lockdown 1, anyone?) to global awareness campaigns, viral trends on social media can spread happiness, motivate positive change and simply put a smile on peoples faces. You could even help your kids to brainstorm fun and safe options that everyone can take part in.
6. Model responsible online habits.
Sadly, some parents and caregivers are the ones actually facilitating some of these challenges, by recording their kids as they attempt sometimes ridiculous stunts or giving them the props to do so. Make sure your involvement sends the message you intend, and help your kids make the distinction between what is realistic and what may be dangerous so they can stay safe.