Dear Parent(s)/Carer(s),
I recently wrote you all raising concerns about the inappropriate use of social media that some of our children have been engaging in, using the name of the school and abusing pupils and staff online.
Today, I have received a warning from the Senior Nurse for School Nursing and Health Visiting in Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board, alerting schools to a new and very dangerous Tik Tok craze called the “choking challenge” or “the blackout challenge”, whereby children and young people are being attacked from behind and choked.
There have been 4 attendances to the Emergency Departments over the last two weeks, particularly in the Royal Glamorgan Hospital, which is very concerning.
I wish to share this information with all parent(s)/carer(s) so that you are aware of this new craze and can speak to your child/ children and warn them of the serious consequences that could arise from choking someone and/or of being choked. With half term next week, when your child/children are likely to be out and about with other young people, this warning is very timely.
I would be grateful for your support in passing on the concerns about this latest Tik Tok craze from the Health board and warning your child/children that what might look like a joke on screen can be very dangerous and have serious consequences in real life.
Yours sincerely,
S J Evans
Headteacher