10-Year Old Pennsylvania Girl Passed Away After Reportedly Trying A TikTok Challenge
10-year-old Nyla Anderson reportedly died trying the “blackout challenge” that tells people to hold their breath until they faint. Now her family wants to alert others about its dangers of the challenge.
The Chester, Pennsylvania native was discovered unconscious in her bedroom of their home on December 7. The girl was rushed to the hospital where she was admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit for days before she died on December 12.
“She happened to be in her own bedroom of her house, with her family at home,” Elizabeth Wood, a licensed clinical social worker told ABC 7. “But no one was in the bedroom with her when this happened, so there was no one there to save her.”
The family describes her as a bright child who spoke 3 languages.
“I’m so hurt,” said her mother Tawainna Anderson. “This is a pain that won’t go away. It’s at the top of my throat. I am so hurt.”
Nylah’s family wanted her story to be known, warning other parents to pay attention.
“Make sure you check your kids’ phones,” Tawainna 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.”
A TikTok spokesperson said it is taking measures to stop users from sharing any content that promotes dangerous behavior.
“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,” the spokesperson said, according to Today. “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.”
Clara Hale founded Hale House, the first center for infants born addicted to drugs