Over the years, dangerous social media challenges have claimed too many young lives. Now, the heartbreaking story of 12-year-old Sebastian from Castleford, England, reminds us all how devastating these trends can be.
What should have been a day of celebration — his little brother’s first Holy Communion — turned into a family’s worst nightmare.
A Dangerous Internet Challenge Claims a Young Life
On Friday, June 27, Sebastian was found unresponsive. His father, Marcin, revealed that Sebastian had been trying the “blackout challenge,” a disturbing trend spreading on platforms like TikTok. This challenge encourages children to choke themselves—often using a scarf—until they briefly lose consciousness, chasing a dangerous high from oxygen deprivation.
West Yorkshire police confirmed the tragic news: “Officers attended the scene and took the boy to hospital, where sadly, his death was later confirmed. Enquiries are ongoing with the West Yorkshire Coroner, and the incident is not being treated as suspicious.”
A GoFundMe page set up by family friends paints a vivid picture of the bright, talented boy behind the tragedy:
“Sebastian was only 12 — a boy bursting with dreams, passion, and incredible talent. He taught himself guitar and keyboard and loved to draw. Always smiling, kind-hearted, and full of joy, everyone who met him was touched by his gentle spirit.”
“He had devoted parents who did everything possible to give him a safe, happy childhood. They would have given him the stars. Yet one fleeting moment changed everything. A dangerous internet challenge took Sebastian’s life.”
The fundraising page is helping cover funeral expenses, therapy for Sebastian’s grieving parents, and lost wages during this heartbreaking time.
But the message behind it goes far beyond financial support — it’s a solemn warning for all parents:
“Let this be a quiet call for awareness — a reminder to stay close, to talk openly, and to protect the ones we love. So that other children may live. So that no other parent has to endure this unimaginable pain.”
Tragically, Sebastian’s story is not isolated. Just four months ago, 13-year-old Nnamdi Glenn Ohaeri Jr. from Murrieta, California, also lost his life attempting the same deadly challenge. His mother found him unconscious and tried CPR, but it was too late.
The Hidden Power of Peer Pressure
In Nnamdi’s case, his parents had set strict controls on his phone, believing they’d done all they could to shield him from online dangers. Yet they now suspect he learned about the “blackout challenge” from classmates at school.
After losing their son, the Ohaeri family decided to speak out, determined to shine a light on the unseen threats kids face today — not only through social media, but also from peer pressure and influence.
“As a parent, I’ve always been mindful of outside influences,” Ohaeri Sr. told KTLA.
“We talk about drugs and other dangers, but we don’t talk enough about these social media trends and so-called ‘games.’ Maybe it’s time we did.”
The “blackout challenge” first emerged online in 2021, and its deadly toll continues to devastate families worldwide. A 2022 report from The Independent revealed that in just 18 months, the challenge was linked to at least 20 deaths—most alarmingly, children. Fifteen of those victims were just 12 years old or younger.
Currently, a major lawsuit is underway in the U.S., targeting TikTok over the tragic deaths of several children who allegedly died after attempting the viral blackout challenge.
The Lawsuit That Could Change Social Media
As The Guardian reported, the lawsuit—filed in February—names four children: Isaac Kenevan (13), Archie Battersbee (12), Julian “Jools” Sweeney (14), and Maia Walsh (13), all of whom lost their lives in 2022 due to this dangerous online trend.
Attorneys representing the families issued a strong statement:
“TikTok’s algorithm purposely targeted these children with dangerous content to increase their engagement and drive revenue. This was a clear, deliberate business decision by TikTok — and it cost these four children their lives.” — Social Media Victims Law Center
TikTok has pushed back, saying it began blocking searches and hashtags related to the blackout challenge as early as 2020. The company emphasizes its community guidelines prohibit harmful content and claims to actively remove dangerous videos, redirecting users to safety resources.
A Message to Parents
Please, talk to your children. Ask what they’re watching. Find out who they’re talking to. Learn what trends they’re following online. One honest conversation could be the difference between tragedy and safety.