Girl, ten, accidentally kills herself by trying the TikTok Blackout Challenge: Italian child strangled herself with a belt for social media video
The child was declared brain dead by doctors on Thursday in Palermo after attempting the challenge by strangling herself.
Doctors said they did all they could to try and save her but she was too far gone after arriving at the hospital in cardiac arrest.
![[IMG]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2021/01/22/12/38350138-9176189-image-a-8_1611319953269.jpg "[IMG]")
A 10-year-old Italian girl accidentally killed herself after she took the ‘Blackout Challenge’ on TikTok for social media attention, according to reports (stock photo)
The girl’s parents have given the permission to donate her organs following their child’s death, according to Italian news agency ANSA.
The ‘Blackout Challenge’, with a milder variant called the ‘Passout Challenge’, has been circulating on social media platforms including TikTok over the last year.
It is currently considered to be one of the most trending challenges on TikTok.
Also known as ‘the fainting game’, ‘the game of choking’ or ‘speed dreaming’, the challenge requires users to cause themselves to pass out for a few seconds.
Similar dangerous trends, such as the ‘Blue Whale Challenge’, have prompted police warnings after being linked to numerous deaths around the world.
'Blue whale challenge' tasks can range from watching horror movies to waking at strange hours, and eventually progress to self-harming.
On the 50th day, the controlling manipulators behind the 'game' reportedly instruct the youngsters to kill themselves.
Experts have warned of the risks associated with these online challenges, including fainting, seizures, brain damage, and even death.
For confidential support call the Samaritans on 116123 or visit a local Samaritans branch, see www.samaritans.org for details
How to report the Blackout Challenge on TikTok
If you see anybody promoting the Blackout Challenge on TikTok or any other social media platforms, please report the content immediately.
To report the Blackout Challenge on TikTok:
Click on the white arrow on the right-hand side of the video.
Press the icon that says ‘report’ with a flag symbol.
Select ‘suicide, self-harm and dangerous acts’.
If anybody contacts you telling you to take part in the challenge, please do not reply and report the account immediately.
If you have been directly affected by the Blackout Challenge and need someone to speak to, here are some resources to get mental health support.
Anxiety UK
Call: 03444 775 774
Visit: Anxiety UK - National charity helping people with Anxiety
Mind
Call: 0300 123 3393
Visit: Mind
Samaritans
Call: 116 123
Visit: http://www.samaritans.org/
- The 10-year-old girl was declared brain dead Thursday at a hospital in Palermo
- She suffered from cardiac arrest after trying the 'Blackout Challenge' on TikTok
- Doctors said the patient was too far gone despite trying their best to save her
The child was declared brain dead by doctors on Thursday in Palermo after attempting the challenge by strangling herself.
Doctors said they did all they could to try and save her but she was too far gone after arriving at the hospital in cardiac arrest.
A 10-year-old Italian girl accidentally killed herself after she took the ‘Blackout Challenge’ on TikTok for social media attention, according to reports (stock photo)
The girl’s parents have given the permission to donate her organs following their child’s death, according to Italian news agency ANSA.
The ‘Blackout Challenge’, with a milder variant called the ‘Passout Challenge’, has been circulating on social media platforms including TikTok over the last year.
It is currently considered to be one of the most trending challenges on TikTok.
Also known as ‘the fainting game’, ‘the game of choking’ or ‘speed dreaming’, the challenge requires users to cause themselves to pass out for a few seconds.
Similar dangerous trends, such as the ‘Blue Whale Challenge’, have prompted police warnings after being linked to numerous deaths around the world.
'Blue whale challenge' tasks can range from watching horror movies to waking at strange hours, and eventually progress to self-harming.
On the 50th day, the controlling manipulators behind the 'game' reportedly instruct the youngsters to kill themselves.
Experts have warned of the risks associated with these online challenges, including fainting, seizures, brain damage, and even death.
For confidential support call the Samaritans on 116123 or visit a local Samaritans branch, see www.samaritans.org for details
How to report the Blackout Challenge on TikTok
If you see anybody promoting the Blackout Challenge on TikTok or any other social media platforms, please report the content immediately.
To report the Blackout Challenge on TikTok:
Click on the white arrow on the right-hand side of the video.
Press the icon that says ‘report’ with a flag symbol.
Select ‘suicide, self-harm and dangerous acts’.
If anybody contacts you telling you to take part in the challenge, please do not reply and report the account immediately.
If you have been directly affected by the Blackout Challenge and need someone to speak to, here are some resources to get mental health support.
Anxiety UK
Call: 03444 775 774
Visit: Anxiety UK - National charity helping people with Anxiety
Mind
Call: 0300 123 3393
Visit: Mind
Samaritans
Call: 116 123
Visit: http://www.samaritans.org/
