Challenges of the Virtual Space and Its Impact on Children and Adolescents

A “challenge” in the virtual space is a type of boasting or imitative behavior copied from a famous person. For example, someone pours a bucket of ice water on their head, and others respond to the challenge by repeating this action, mimicking their behavior. Sometimes, challenges involving singing a song, dancing, or other risky behaviors may become widespread. Some challenges, like the ice bucket challenge, are better and raise awareness and excitement about various current issues. However, others may not be like this and can put both youths and their parents at risk.

Our question to parents is: What makes these virtual space challenges attractive to youths? How should parents address their children’s online safety?

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Why is it important to talk to your children about the dangers of internet challenges?

Although such conversations may be difficult for parents, as they may not know how to properly address the topic, having open and honest discussions about the harms of internet challenges is very necessary for your children. Just like other risky behaviors (drinking energy drinks at a young age, smoking, drug use, etc.), parents can start the conversation by first letting their children know that they love them, will always be there for them, and that their health, safety, and well-being are their top priority. This opens the way for parents to talk with their children about the dangers and harms of internet challenges or such behaviors. It is important to maintain a modern and proper line of communication so they know you are aware of these challenges. Then, discuss with them the risks involved if they participate in these challenges, why they should not participate, and exactly what the consequences of doing so are.

Talking to your children about bad and dangerous behaviors is an ongoing conversation, as new things always arise. However, having these difficult conversations early in life helps your children recognize what is right and what is wrong. You should let them learn and make the right decisions, empowering them through their correct choices.

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Serious Dangers of Some Challenges and Types of Challenges in the Virtual Space

Below, we will mention a few virtual space challenges that have had an adverse impact on children and adolescents. The challenge of vulgar songs (such as Sasy Mankan) that became trending in the virtual space is not limited to songs sung by a Persian speaker; some foreign songs on Instagram and the virtual space are also often inappropriate for children and adolescents. Dear parents, we must remind you that if your child participates in these song challenges, you are essentially putting their mental and emotional health at risk, the destructive effects of which you will observe years later.

The second challenge is the freeze challenge, which at first glance seems exciting and fun; however, care must be taken that this challenge should not be done in dangerous places such as streets, subways, or vehicles, as it may increase the risk of accidents and endanger the physical health of your child or adolescent. The third challenge we can mention is the ice bucket challenge, which was very well-received in the virtual space and in Iran and was a very attractive and good challenge for people. There are still clips and videos of this fun and entertaining challenge, but dear parents, you should remember that if your child or adolescent has a heart condition, it may be harmful to them.

Next, we will introduce a few foreign examples, noting that with these trends, similar challenges have also become trending in our country, such as the spicy food eating challenge, which may have originated from the “One Chip Challenge” where participants must eat extremely spicy chips, or the recent NyQuil chicken challenge or the cinnamon challenge, where teens challenged each other to eat a spoonful of ground cinnamon in 60 seconds or less without water!! As you can see, these challenges are very dangerous. These challenges can pose serious health risks, and our children must be aware and informed about this. So, when you want to talk to your child about dangerous internet challenges, first discuss the things they like to do online, such as watching animations or playing online games they enjoy. Then, research what they have shared. Share advice and strategies about inappropriate virtual space challenges with your children and let them reach their own conclusions.

If your children are reluctant to listen to your advice and suggestions on this matter, you should monitor their screen time and online activities. If they seem sad, depressed, or upset after using their phone or spending time online, you should suggest they take a break from the internet. Additionally, for more precise and safer monitoring of what your children do online, consider using an app to manage their phone. When your child wants to be online, use these parental control apps. This allows you to always monitor your child and prevent them from engaging in activities unsuitable for their age in the virtual and online space, even if they take their phone to bed.

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What are some of the challenges parents face regarding virtual space challenges?

The biggest challenge parents face is a lack of awareness about existing challenges. To combat this, talk to your child about the challenges they are aware of and their thoughts about them, having a calm and non-judgmental conversation. Knowing they feel safe will help with discussing and determining what is safe and what is not. Additionally, ensure that your child and their friends have not gone to social media platforms promoting these challenges.

Monitor your children’s social media friends to ensure they are not encouraging your children to participate in these virtual space challenges. To stay informed, know that teens may be more willing to talk about others than themselves, so ask them direct questions about trends, fads, and activities their friends are involved in. Asking about their friends may prevent inappropriate behaviors their friends are doing that your child might want to follow.

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Do you know if your child has participated in a challenge? Are you sure or not?

If you suspect your child may be participating in or interested in a challenge, talk to them. Discuss the pros and cons of participating in the challenge you think they might be involved in. Ask them to consider the worst possible outcome and whether participating in the challenge is worth it. Ask direct questions, such as: Is going to the emergency room worth the likes or views?

As an individual, what do you see as the dangers of virtual space challenges?

Many virtual space challenges are dangerous for those who participate, and some are not even related to age! For example, the salt and ice challenge can cause chemical burns or permanent nerve damage. Over the past decade, the number of young people engaged in social media has increased dramatically. Thus, teens and young people have become dependent on being and connecting on social media platforms like Instagram. Adolescence is a very important period for psychological and physical development, as it coincides with brain growth and maturity. Since the brain is not fully mature, your child’s decision-making and choices may be compromised. Social media has a significant impact on young minds, and because others participate, they are more prone to trying dangerous virtual space challenges.

What are some of the challenges young people face with these virtual space challenges?

As much as young people are dependent on the virtual space, they are likely highly aware of virtual space challenges because seeing celebrities or peers participate in a dangerous virtual space challenge can have a significant impact on youths and lead to imitative behaviors. This can be due to various reasons, such as peer pressure, the desire to fit in or be part of a trend, and the belief that if a celebrity or famous person does it, it must be safe. However, it is important to understand that just because something is popular or trendy does not mean it is safe or appropriate. For individuals, especially youths, it is crucial to assess the risks and consequences before participating in any challenge or activity.

What advice should we give to teens to behave in a healthy way?

While virtual space challenges can have destructive impacts, they also have very positive effects, such as fostering empathy and companionship with friends in beneficial and exciting challenges like the blindfolded food taste challenge, which can be very exciting for your child or adolescent, and many funny moments may occur. Another beneficial challenge is the popsicle stick and cup tower challenge, which can foster collaboration and teamwork among peers.

How can young people distinguish between inappropriate virtual space challenges and positive ones?

When deciding whether to participate in a virtual space challenge, consider these questions:

• Why do you want to do this?
• What are the benefits of this challenge?
• Can this challenge harm you or someone else?

Once the answers are clear, you will automatically realize whether it is appropriate or inappropriate, and you can either proceed or refrain.

Parental strategies to prevent dependency on undesirable virtual space challenges

One strategy that has become very common in today’s digital world is the use of parental control software, which allows parents to keep inappropriate content away from their children and completely out of reach until they are old enough to distinguish between good and bad and can make their own decisions.

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