Dubai health and education authorities have launched a critical safety initiative targeting potentially lethal physical behaviors circulating among students. The Dubai Health Authority, in collaboration with the Knowledge and Human Development Authority, has distributed an urgent circular to schools and parents detailing the severe medical risks associated with choking games, breath-holding activities, and neck pressure challenges that have gained traction through social media trends.
Medical experts emphasize these activities are far from harmless, noting that even brief oxygen restriction can cause irreversible brain damage, seizures, cardiac arrest, or death within seconds. The initiatives specifically address pre-teens and teenagers who may engage in such behaviors due to peer pressure, curiosity, or sensation-seeking tendencies without fully comprehending the life-threatening consequences.
Authorities are hosting virtual parental awareness sessions to equip families with practical intervention tools. Parents are advised to monitor for physical warning signs including neck bruising, bloodshot eyes, and unexplained headaches, along with behavioral changes such as increased secrecy about online activity, discussion of ‘challenges,’ or wearing clothing that conceals the neck area.
School leaders across Dubai have reinforced their commitment to child protection frameworks, emphasizing the importance of home-school partnerships. Claire Scowen, Vice President of Safeguarding and Child Protection, highlighted that ‘early identification depends on strong partnership and open communication between schools and parents.’
Several institutions, including the American Academy for Girls, have implemented long-term teacher-student relationships that enable educators to detect subtle behavioral changes. The school employs Mental Health Student Ambassadors and digital wellbeing platforms to foster peer-to-peer education about responsible online behavior.
Credence High School CEO-Principal Deepika Thapar Singh emphasized creating ‘psychologically safe spaces where students can report harmful trends without fear of stigma.’ The comprehensive approach combines parental vigilance, professional educator training, and student empowerment to address what authorities characterize as a preventable public health concern.