Experts warn parents about dangerous trends on the Internet

The modern Internet has become for teenagers not only a platform for communication, but also a space where there are serious threats. About how online risks are transformed and why children fall into “digital traps”, said candidate of psychological sciences Alexei Bogachev.

The New Reality of Death Groups

Destructive communities on social media are evolving. If earlier they were easier to track, today they migrate to closed messengers and little-known platforms.

Recruiters began to use more sophisticated methods of manipulation:

Gamification: Dangerous tasks are presented in a game format.

Psychological techniques: the active use of NLP and mechanics of “secret societies”.

Secrecy: Creating closed chats that are almost impossible to detect by an outside observer.

Dangerous Challenges: The thirst for fame at the cost of health

In addition to recruitment, the network is gaining momentum “challenge”, which can cost a child’s life. Among them are choking games, dangerous tricks in unsafe places, and even risky chemical experiments on your own body (for example, eating certain mixtures of foods).

“The semantic root of such trends is the desire to gain illusory recognition of peers through a bright but deadly trick. Teenagers often simply do not realize the real scale of the threat, taking mortal danger for harmless entertainment, explains Alexei Bogachev.

How do you protect the baby?

Technical restrictions and parental controls do not always guarantee 100% security. Human relations remain the main tool of protection.

Advice to parents:

Build Trust: Your child should know that they can come to you with any problem without fear of criticism or prohibition.

Teach digital hygiene: Explain how to recognize manipulation and why you can’t blindly trust your online friends.

Develop critical thinking: Teach your teen to ask “Why?” and “How can it end?” before repeating a trick or completing a task online.