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A 16-year-old girl, Christy Sibali Dominique Gloire Gassaille, from France tragically lost her life participating in the dangerous viral “scarf game” challenge trending on the popular social media platform, TikTok.
The game, a variation of TikTok’s notorious “blackout challenge,” involves self-asphyxiation for Internet fame and has caused several fatalities over the past year.
The Deadly Risks of the Challenge
The viral challenge requires the participant to tighten a scarf around their neck until they pass out, aiming to gain clout on the internet.
Unfortunately, the risk is high, as it can lead to the deprivation of oxygen to the brain, resulting in seizures, severe injury, and in some instances, death.
Gassaille’s tragic demise on May 27 has triggered renewed concerns over the influence of such dangerous challenges on young audiences. She was laid to rest on June 7 at the Fleury-les-Aubrais cemetery, near her home in Orléans, France.
The Rising Trend of Choking Challenges
Gassaille’s death is not an isolated incident, as choking challenges have become increasingly popular on TikTok. However, the platform appears to be implementing preventive measures.
A search for “scarf game” by The Post revealed a message indicating that the phrase might be associated with content violating TikTok’s community guidelines. It remains unclear whether TikTok has commented on the recent tragedy.
International Incidents Highlight Challenge’s Deadliness
Earlier this year, a 12-year-old Argentinean girl, Milagros Soto, also fell victim to the deadly trend when she attempted the challenge using a makeshift noose.
Her aunt suggested that the child had been bullied and possibly coerced into participating in the challenge.
Last summer, the UK reported the deaths of two young boys, Leon Brown, 14, and Archie Battersbee, 12, allegedly caused by similar viral challenges.
Legal Repercussions for TikTok
In the United States, TikTok faces multiple wrongful death lawsuits after two Californian girls reportedly took their own lives after watching “blackout challenge” videos on the platform.
The lawsuit alleges that the platform has knowingly promoted harmful and problematic content to its young user base.
However, representatives for TikTok have previously denied responsibility in similar cases, stating that “choking game” injuries among young people have been reported long before the advent of the “blackout challenge.”
Encouraging User Responsibility and Safety
While TikTok continues to face scrutiny, it’s important to note that the platform does encourage users to report any content or behavior violating its guidelines.
As the dialogue around the deadly “scarf game” challenge continues, it remains crucial to educate young users on the potential dangers of such viral trends. The tragic incidents serve as a somber reminder of the need for enhanced digital safety measures and responsible content consumption.GoodBad
