How To Protect Teens From Dangerous Social Media Dares: Parenting Tips For Online Safety

Challenge #1:  The outlet challenge: Partially put the plug of a phone charger into the wall outlet and then slide a coin down the wall onto the exposed prongs.  

Result: Damage to the electrical system and, in some cases, fire. 

Challenge#2:  Place salt and ice together on the skin and feel the burning sensation. 

Result: Second-degree burns, scarring, nerve damage

Understanding social media 'dares' and their risks

These are just some of the dangerous dares and challenges that have gone viral on social media in recent times. The Blue Whale Challenge is probably the scariest, as it has reportedly led to over 130 suicides.

Another disturbing new social media dare is the 48-hour challenge that encourages children to go missing for two full days. The list is endless, as every other day there is a new social media 'challenge' which is potentially harmful to your teenager.

Why teens take part in online challenges

Parents around the world are seeking to understand what drives their children’s reckless behaviour, especially the impact of peer pressure and FOMO (fear of missing out). It may be the thrill that motivates them, or they wish to be socially accepted by peers, or 30 seconds of fame, since videos of the dares are usually posted on social media. Also, one-upmanship is a central part of the online behavior of teens.

Warning signs your teen may be at risk

Experts say that a child accepting a dangerous dare may be indicative of low self-esteem, poor decision-making skills, or a lack of insight into the consequences of the challenge. When they see other teens in the video getting a lot of fame and attention, they think it could be fun. They may also want to win praise from friends and be called the biggest risk-taker or the most outgoing member in their friend circle.

Laurence Steinberg, a professor of psychology at Temple University in the US, has a scientific explanation. He says the teen brain is driven to seek constant stimuli and rewards, as it is flooded with dopamine. This, combined with a still slow-to-mature self-regulation system, leads to risky behavior in teens.

How to talk to your teen about online safety

Be open and approachable: Your teen must feel comfortable talking things over with you, and you must listen without being judgmental. This way, if they are contemplating taking up a challenge, they are likely to come to you first.

Understand where this comes from: Acknowledge that teens are facing peer pressure. Their friends may tease them if they refuse to take up a dare. It can be easy to dismiss FOMO and the desire for likes as superficial, but for many teens and tweens, social media acceptance is vital.

Discuss the challenge in detail: Often, youngsters are unaware of what they are getting into when they contemplate participating in a challenge. Walk them through each step so that they identify where things could go wrong.

Discuss social media self-esteem: This depends on the number of likes or comments a post gets. Show them how trolling and cyberbullying influence their decisions. Social media hurts the already weak self-esteem of many teens and tweens. Parental love and guidance can go a long way in building their child's self-esteem.

Practical steps to prevent dangerous online dares

Encourage teens' offline lives: Encourage them to participate in outdoor play, sports, art, drama, volunteer work, and other extracurricular activities that will help build their self-esteem and make them feel unique, worthy, and valuable. Your support will also help alleviate social media anxiety.

Shift the focus: You can also encourage teens to focus on the positive side of social media. For example, they could participate in various online contests or explore creative sites and build a portfolio.

Be aware of their online and offline lives: Be informed of the sites your children visit and the apps they use. Check browser history, set appropriate age filters, and apply relevant parental controls. You can also become their friends on social media platforms so that you can spot any sign of trouble. Offline, know who their friends are and show interest in their friends, school, and trends.

Ensure they have a varied group of friends: Encourage them to have different circles of friends, such as school buddies, neighbourhood friends, and relatives. It offers protection from the influence of any one group.

Keep a close tab on your child's behavior: Look out for red flags. Is your teenager cranky or uninterested in what's happening in the house? Checking further can help parents detect any unusual changes, such as mood swings, lack of communication, loss of interest in studies, and falling grades.

Encouraging safe and responsible social media use

Set boundaries: Guide your children on how to set boundaries regarding social media usage. Also, set limits for the use of mobile phones, computers, and other digital devices. Ensure younger children use devices in common family spaces, so you don't worry that they are indulging in any risky activity.

Talking to your teen about internet safety and peer pressure is not easy. But it is an important conversation to have to protect them from harming themselves, others, or their reputations.

Last updated on: October 8, 2025