Social media challenges have affected the lives of teenagers for several years, often leading to dangerous and even deadly outcomes. Some of the most harmful trends include the Tide Pod Challenge, the Blackout Challenge, and the Chapstick Challenge. These trends have caused serious injuries and, in many cases, death.

One of the more recent and alarming trends is the Blackout Challenge. This challenge involves teens purposely depriving their brains of oxygen by holding their breath until they faint or pass out. While some may see it as a harmless stunt, this challenge has reportedly led to the deaths of 15 to 20 children and teens, prompting lawsuits and widespread concern.

The Tide Pod Challenge, which gained popularity a few years ago, involved kids daring each other to bite into or eat Tide laundry pods. These pods are filled with toxic chemicals and are not meant to be ingested. Consuming them led to numerous hospitalizations and even fatalities.

Another disturbing trend was the Chapstick Challenge, also known as the Lip Balm Challenge. In this challenge, teens were encouraged to use an entire tube of lip balm, and once finished, end their own lives. This trend was especially tragic, as many participants were already struggling with mental health issues such as depression and suicidal thoughts.

Most social media challenges that go viral on platforms like TikTok share a common theme: they target youth and often result in physical harm, emotional trauma, or death. Since its rise in popularity, TikTok has been linked to numerous risky behaviors among teens, making it a serious and ongoing concern for parents, educators, and communities.