Philadelphia 10-Year-Old Dies From Social Media ‘Blackout Challenge’

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By Alyssa Wilson Published: December 24, 2021

Philadelphia 10-Year-Old Dies From Social Media ‘Blackout Challenge’

FILE - A federal judge has approved a request from a group of WeChat users to delay looming U.S. government restrictions that could effectively make the popular app nearly impossible to use. In a ruling dated Saturday, Sept. 19, 2020, Magistrate Judge Laurel Beeler in California said the government’s actions would affect users’ First Amendment rights as an effective ban on the app removes their platform for communication. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, File)

In Summary

At least three other children have also died from the social media challenge that requires people to go without oxygen for as long as they can.

A Philadelphia family is warning others about the dangers of a new social media challenge that led to the death of a 10-year-old.

The death of Nylah Anderson is the latest connected to the “Blackout Challenge,” which requires participants to hold their breath until they pass out.

According to WPVI, the incident happened while Nylah’s family was home. “She was a butterfly,” Tawainna Anderson, Nylah’s mother, said. “She was everything. She was a happy child.”

Since Nylah was alone in a room when she did the challenge, no one was there to save her. “It’s a challenge to see how long you can be breathless, or hold your breath in,” Dr. Mindy Dickerman, a doctor at Nemours Children’s Hospital, said. “It can result in a strangulation.”

Nylah’s family said they are devastated at the loss. “I’m so hurt,” Anderson said. “This is a pain that won’t go away. It’s at the top of my throat. I am so hurt,” she said.

They are now warning other parents to take precautions. “Make sure you check your kids’ phones,” Anderson said. “You never know what you might find on their phones. You wouldn’t think 10-year-olds would try this. They’re trying because they’re kids and they don’t know better.”

While Anderson did not name a specific social media platform, many have turned their eyes to TikTok. According to People, the “Blackout Challenge” dates back to 2008, when 82 children died as a result of the game. Three other children, 12-year-old Joshua Haileyesus, 10-year-old Robert Craig and 9-year-old LaTerius Smith Jr. also died attempting the challenge this year.

TikTok released a statement to People saying, “This disturbing ‘challenge,’ which people seem to learn about from sources other than TikTok, long predates our platform and has never been a TikTok trend. We remain vigilant in our commitment to user safety and would immediately remove related content if found. Our deepest sympathies go out to the family for their tragic loss.”

A GoFundMe page has been set up to help Anderson pay for her daughter’s funeral.

If you or someone you know is struggling from trauma triggered by this story, resources are available here.  