TikTok's "Blackout Challenge" Leaves Colorado Boy Brain Dead

The TikTok's 'Blackout Challenge' causes a Colorado boy to be brain dead. The family of the 12-year-old boy, Joshua Haileyesus, is still hoping for a miracle despite the doctors telling them to prepare for the worst. The Colorado boy's family warns the public about the dangers of being exposed to social media and technology's adverse effects.

ALSO READ: TikTok Should Be Used by Government to Inform High Schoolers on COVID Safety, Teen Suggests 

Colorado boy does TikTok's 'Blackout' Challenge

Last March 22, Joshua's twin brother saw the Colorado boy passed out on the bathroom floor. The twin brother even tried to resuscitate Joshua.

According to reports, the Colorado boy was brought to the hospital but has been declared brain dead. His family has been praying for the young boy's recovery since.

Joshua's father, Haileyesus Zeryihun, said, "It's just heartbreaking to see him laying on the bed. I was begging them on the floor, pleading to see if they can give me some time, not to give up on him. If I just give up on him, I feel like I'm just walking away from my son."

Doctors have informed the family of what could possibly happen to Joshua. They were also told to prepare to say their goodbyes.

ALSO READ: New York Teenager Who Saved Cousin in a Sledding Accident, Dies Tragically

What is TikTok's Blackout Challenge?

According to Fox59, TikTok's Blackout Challenge has been around for years. The challenge is to endure choking up to the point of passing out. The participants do this to gain a sense of euphoria. Aside from being called the TikTok's Blackout Challenge, this challenge also goes by the names "pass-out challenge," "the game of choking," or "speed dreaming."

ALSO READ: Effects of Frequent Use of Online Technologies to Children [Experts Explain]

Parents warn the public

In an interview that Joshua's father had with The Denver Channel, he said that kids need to be counseled. He explained, "Because this is a serious a serious thing."  He also compared exposure to such content to holding a gun. The dad added, "t's not a joke at all. And you can treat it as if somebody is holding a gun. This is how dangerous this is."

According to his parents, Joshua learned so much through the Internet. The Colorado boy often used social media to learn about cooking, acting, and even playing the guitar.

However, his parents did not expect that he would also be exposed to the dangers of social media and technology.

Support for the 12-year-old

Last Monday, friends and family of the 12-year-old boy gathered in front of the Children's Hospital Colorado in Aurora. They all prayed for a miracle that will save Joshua. Aside from this, the public has also shown support through the GoFundMe page that the family put up for Joshua.

The GoFundMe page aims to raise 200,000 US Dollars for Joshua's medical expenses. As of writing, the page has already raised more than 140,000 US Dollars.

ALSO READ: How to Be a Parent to Teens: Strategies from Experts