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Warning for parents: 'Choking game', 'skull breaker' challenges endanger students
The ‘skull breaker’ stunt causes a sudden, uncontrolled fall, which can lead to head injuries such as concussions, skull fractures, brain injury, or spinal trauma
- PUBLISHED: Thu 26 Feb 2026, 5:12 PM
[Editor’s Note: This article is part of Khaleej Times’ Schools and Parents, a dedicated section designed to support families in the UAE as they explore educational choices. The section offers explainers, guidance from education leaders, expert advice and insights from parents to help readers make informed decisions about schools, curricula and communities.]
Education and health authorities across the UAE are urging schools and parents to stay alert as dangerous physical dares, from choking games to the so-called “skull breaker” challenge, resurface among children and teenagers.
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Authorities say some students are mimicking viral social media trends that can lead to serious injury. Notably, the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) and the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) also hosted a virtual parental awareness session to help everyone recognise and prevent potentially fatal behaviours linked to peer pressure and online trends.
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Here's what families need to know:
1. What are schools in the UAE concerned about?
Schools have reported to education authorities incidents where students engaged in unsafe activities such as choking, breath holding, applying pressure to the neck or head, and attempting viral social media challenges.
One specific trend mentioned is the “Skull Breaker Challenge,” in which a student is intentionally made to fall. The stunt, which circulated widely on TikTok in 2020, involves tricking someone into jumping and then deliberately tripping them, often causing them to land on their back or head.
2. Why are these 'viral challenges' dangerous?
Doctors warn that what may look like a prank can quickly turn into a life-threatening situation.
Dr Rabea Abazeed, Specialist in Paediatrics at Burjeel Medical Centre, Al Shamkha, said, “These viral challenges are extremely dangerous and can result in serious, sometimes permanent, harm. The ‘skull breaker’ stunt causes a sudden, uncontrolled fall, which can lead to head injuries such as concussions, skull fractures, brain injury, or spinal trauma.”
Doctors add that choking or breath-restriction dares are particularly alarming. Dr Renuka Ramasamy, Specialist Family Medicine, International Modern Hospital Dubai, explained that the so-called “blackout challenge” is often misunderstood or conflated with other trends.
“The 'blackout challenge” (a type of choking game sometimes conflated with Skull Breaker trends) involves intentionally restricting oxygen to the brain to feel lightheaded.
Teens may asphyxiate themselves until they lose consciousness.
This can lead to permanent brain damage or death in under five minutes because the brain is extremely sensitive to a lack of oxygen.
This type of hypoxia (oxygen deprivation) quickly injures brain cells and can have irreversible effects.”
3. Long-term and hidden risks of choking games
The National Centre for Health Research in the US highlights how dangerous “choking games” can be:
Children can lose consciousness within seconds once blood flow to the brain is cut off.
Brain and central nervous system damage can occur in just 3 minutes of hypoxia.
At least 82 deaths among children ages 6–19 from choking game activities between 1995 and 2007, and many believe the real number could be much higher because not all cases are reported.
In the US, a new research by Bader Scott Law, analysing Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) injury surveillance, ER admissions, poison control data and school health reports from 2018 to 2025, confirms what many clinicians have been seeing firsthand: online challenges are sending more young people to the ER — especially during the school year.
Paediatricians say the pattern has become worryingly predictable. From September through May, risk-taking behaviour spikes, closely tracking the rise in youth mental health-related emergency visits, as academic pressure, social stress and online trends collide.
4. Children and teens more vulnerable to such trends
Experts highlight that adolescence is a critical phase of socio-emotional and brain development. Between the ages of 9 and 16, social media use rises sharply, and with it, exposure to risky content.
Studies suggest screen time may affect areas of the brain responsible for impulse control and emotional regulation. Combined with peer pressure and the lure of “likes” and views, this can make risky behaviour seem appealing or harmless.
Health experts also warn that teens who engage in risky choking games may show higher rates of other dangerous behaviours, such as self-harm or substance use. It indicates mental and behavioural risks.
5. How are UAE schools addressing the issue?
In UAE schools, conversations are designed to feel relevant and student-led.
Stephanie Watson, Deputy Headteacher Secondary, Nord Anglia International School Abu Dhabi, said:
“We make sure students hear these messages in ways that feel real and relevant to them. Each year, our school counsellors and trained wellbeing ambassadors lead student-focused Wellbeing Expos, where young people openly talk about real issues, including dangerous online challenges.”
She explained that because peers help lead the sessions, “the messages land more strongly,” while PSME (Personal, Social and Moral Education) lessons include a digital safety programme tailored to each year group.
The school also draws a firm line on risky behaviour.
“We are very clear that behaviours which put students at risk, including physical stunts or online dares, are not acceptable.”
6. What policies do school groups have in place?
At GEMS Education, safeguarding teams say the approach is proactive and preventative.
Claire Scowen, Vice President, Risk – Global Lead of Safeguarding and Child Protection, said:
“Student safety is always our absolute priority. Viral trends that are framed as pranks, including choking or breath-restriction dares and challenges such as the ‘skull breaker’ are deeply concerning. Our response is proactive, preventative and education-led.”
She noted that the GEMS Digital Safeguarding Curriculum addresses online risk, peer influence and the real-world consequences of viral trends, with age-appropriate discussions for younger and older students.
Assemblies and tutor sessions reinforce a key message:
“‘A prank’ that risks harm is not a joke; it is a safeguarding concern.”
7. What warning signs should parents look out for?
According to doctors, the physical signs can sometimes be subtle but serious. Parents are urged to watch for physical signs, including bloodshot eyes, small red spots around the eyes, unexplained marks or bruising on the neck, and frequent severe headaches or disorientation after time spent alone.
Early warning signs may also include headaches, dizziness or unexplained fainting. Secrecy around devices or group chats and language that normalises risk as “just a joke” can also be red flags.
However, Scowen emphasised that communication remains the strongest protective factor.
“When children feel able to talk openly with both parents and teachers about what they are seeing online, risks are identified earlier.”
Parents seeking support can contact DHA at info@dha.gov.ae or contact licensed mental health facilities across the UAE. Parents should initiate conversations, even if children are not on social media, because the challenge spreads among school peers and in after-school activities. The key is education without instilling fear.
8. What can parents do to keep children safe?
Health and education experts recommend calm, open conversations. Ask children what they are seeing online. Roleplay how to respond if a friend pressures them to try a challenge. Remind them that videos rarely show the full consequences — and that no number of likes is worth getting hurt.
Developing a family media plan can also help. Set time limits, agree on what content is appropriate, discuss privacy and respectful behaviour, and create a clear plan for seeking help if something feels wrong.
Most importantly, model healthy digital habits yourself. Children notice far more than parents realise.
