SCASD warns families about the dangers of a “Blackout Challenge” after an incident is reported

The State College Area School District sent a message to families this week letting them know that some students had tried the “blackout challenge” and encouraging parents to talk to their children about the dangers of this social media behavior .

In the message to families, State College area director Curtis Johnson said the district was made aware of students attempting the so-called “blackout challenge,” or “choking game.”

“All students are doing well, but this incident is still alarming,” Johnson said.

In a blackout challenge, young people hold their breath or choke until they are on the verge of fainting or actually faint. In some cases it is recorded and shared on social media. The CDC has warned that this could result in serious injury or death.

A spokesperson for the school district administration cited student privacy and declined to comment on the incident. He said the district monitors social media trends and takes all reports seriously.