Texas Family Warns of Deadly Online 'Blackout Challenge' After Daughter's Death

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A Texas couple is warning about the 'blackout challenge', a dangerous social media trend that they say led to the death of their 9-year-old daughter, JackLynn. The Blackwells found JackLynn in their backyard with a cord around her neck after she attempted the challenge, which involves restricting one's own breathing to experience a brief high. The family is calling for greater accountability from tech companies whose recommendation algorithms they say can push young users toward harmful content.

Why it matters

The 'blackout challenge' has been linked to at least 80 deaths, mostly involving children and young teens, according to the CDC. This tragic case highlights the need for stronger safeguards and oversight to protect young social media users from dangerous online trends and content.

The details

The Blackwells say their daughter JackLynn, who loved online challenges, had previously shown her grandmother a video of someone doing a similar stunt and was told never to attempt it. However, they believe YouTube's recommendation algorithm eventually led her to the 'blackout challenge' content. The family is now warning other parents that this type of harmful content is still easily accessible to children on many platforms, despite some efforts to restrict searches or display warnings.

• JackLynn died last month after attempting the 'blackout challenge'.
• Federal health officials have linked the 'blackout challenge' to at least 80 deaths, most involving children and young teens, according to the CDC.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The Blackwells are calling for major tech companies to face stronger accountability for how their recommendation algorithms can push young users toward harmful material.