Deadly social media trend threatens kids, homeowners defending themselves: 'children are going to get killed’
Share this @internewscast.com

Potentially dangerous social media trends are getting kids, and potentially homeowners, into trouble this summer while kids are out of school.

Currently, two social media trends are capturing attention: the “UrbanEx” or “urban exploration” challenge, and the “door-kicking challenge.”

“There seems to be a new trend almost daily. … When you visit the For You Page (FYP), you can see what’s gaining popularity. It’s not long before you find content made by children, which is concerning in and of itself. Many kids under 13 … aren’t legally permitted to use social media,” expressed Titania Jordan, CMO and chief parent officer at Bark Technologies, a parental control app, during a conversation with Fox News Digital.

She noted that social media challenges incentivize users to create “content that evokes a reaction,” adding that such content possesses viral qualities and frequently resurfaces, fueled by the algorithm.

Last year, a 23-year-old man named Guillermo Leflore, known as “Urbex Tarzan” on TikTok, was arrested after officials said he trespassed on private property while exploring steam tunnels. It wasn’t his first time attempting a dangerous stunt for social media; he is accused of previously attempting to climb the Milwaukee Art Museum, as FOX 6 Milwaukee first reported.

Ari Lightman, professor of digital media and marketing at Carnegie Mellon University’s Heinz College of Information Systems and Public Policy, told Fox News Digital that social media trends resemble what used to be games of truth-or-dare “on steroids.”

“Especially in states that have stand-your-ground laws, very, very worrisome.”

— Ari Lightman

“You’re reaching tens of thousands of people. You’re not daring somebody face-to-face,” Lightman said. “Why are they doing that? Is it just to get likes, and those likes might turn into followers, and those followers might turn into advertisers, and those advertisers might turn into profits for some people? Is it even real, or is it AI generated?”

Defenders of the UrbanEx trend say it exposes historically significant structures that have been left to rot; many social media users have been calling on local city leaders to revive abandoned schools, houses, churches and event spaces.

An abandoned house by a road

Another trend called “UrbanEx” has made headlines recently for putting participating social media users behind bars. The “challenge” encourages users to explore abandoned buildings, from old schools to churches to retail and entertainment establishments. (iStock)

“Just the general lack of respect amongst children today, whether it’s for people’s property in the classroom or other people’s feelings, it’s a big problem. They’re lacking empathy and respect because they’re spending too much time in front of a screen and not enough understanding in real-life human emotion,” Jordan said. 

She advised parents to join a Facebook group called “Parenting in a Tech World” where the “latest trends are being shared there from parents whose children are experiencing it in real time.” She also advised parents to talk to their kids candidly and calmly about what they are seeing online, and Google the trends that are appearing on the social media pages. 

“Maybe your kid’s playing Roblox and you don’t think it’s safe. Google dangers of Roblox. Show your child how other children have been harmed by adults they have been lured by on that platform so they realize you’re not just being overprotective,” she said.

“All you can do is have candid calm conversations with them, and not just talking to them or talking at them, but asking them what they’ve seen. What did they think? What do they think the dangers are of hanging around an old building and recording it? Maybe they say they don’t know, and that can encourage a conversation right there.”

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Chilton County dog trainer found guilty in animal cruelty case

Chilton County Dog Trainer Convicted: Shocking Animal Cruelty Case Unveiled

CHILTON COUNTY, Ala. (WIAT) — A dog training facility owner in Verbena…
Palisades Fire suspect has courtroom outburst while pleading not guilty at arraignment

Suspect in Palisades Fire Case Disrupts Courtroom During Not Guilty Plea

The man accused of igniting what authorities have called “one of the…
Son learns fate years after brutal family murders in wealthy coastal enclave

Son Discovers Verdict Years After Grisly Family Tragedy in Affluent Coastal Community

A 34-year-old man from California has been found guilty of brutally murdering…
Justice Dept. seeks to deport Kilmar Abrego Garcia to Liberia

Breaking: Justice Dept. Moves to Deport Kilmar Abrego Garcia to Liberia – Here’s What You Need to Know

Washington — The Justice Department announced on Friday that the Trump administration…
Expert warns critical hours slipping away as kidnappers likely to move US missionary in Niger

Urgent Countdown: US Missionary’s Fate Hangs in Balance as Kidnappers Prepare to Relocate in Niger

A security specialist has highlighted the urgency of the initial 48 hours…
5 takeaways from the demolition of the White House’s East Wing

Key Insights from the East Wing’s White House Transformation

The iconic East Wing of the White House, a space historically utilized…
Cornell student newspaper retracts artwork featuring Nazi symbols and bloodied Star of David

Cornell Newspaper Sparks Outrage with Retraction of Controversial Nazi Symbol Artwork

The student-run publication at Cornell University, The Cornell Daily Sun, recently faced…
Murder suspect arrested over 40 times before allegedly killing hotel guest

Shocking Pattern: Serial Offender with 40+ Arrests Charged in Hotel Guest Murder

In a startling case from North Carolina, a man with a lengthy…
Oswego, Illinois Chick-fil-A: Darryl Lee Jr., 19, charged with murder in stabbing attacks at restaurant on Route 34, officials say

Tragic Incident: 19-Year-Old Charged with Murder in Oswego’s Route 34 Chick-fil-A Stabbing

OSWEGO, Ill. (WLS) — Authorities have charged a suspect in connection with…
States worry about how to fill the gap in food aid ahead of a federal benefits halt

States Brace for Food Aid Crisis as Federal Benefits Set to Expire: Exploring Solutions to Bridge the Hunger Gap

Officials from Louisiana, Vermont, and Virginia have committed to ensuring that food…
Fox News ‘Antisemitism Exposed’ Newsletter: Rabbis' stern Mamdani warning

Rabbis Issue Strong Warning to Zohran Mamdani in Fox News’ ‘Antisemitism Exposed’ Newsletter

Fox News’ “Antisemitism Exposed” newsletter offers insights into the growing tide of…
Taylor Swift earns first Songwriters Hall of Fame nomination in debut year of eligibility

Taylor Swift Celebrates Her First Nomination for Songwriters Hall of Fame in First Year of Eligibility

In a groundbreaking move, pop sensation Taylor Swift might soon make history…