Let's "game" it!: Dangerous games, a new health challenge

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Child Psychology
• Dermatology

Background:

• Children and adolescents are increasingly participating in dangerous online challenge games.
• Social networks facilitate access to these risky activities.
• Limited data exist on the health consequences of these games.

Observation:

• A 10-year-old child presented with burn-like lesions.
• The injuries were initially suspected to be due to child abuse.
• Investigation revealed self-inflicted injuries from a challenge game.

Findings:

• The child's injuries resulted from participation in "The Deodorant Challenge."
• Psychopathological assessment and police collaboration confirmed self-inflicted harm.
• Intrafamilial abuse was definitively ruled out as the cause.

Implications:

• Highlights the hidden dangers of online challenge games for children.
• Underscores the need for increased awareness among parents and healthcare providers.
• Emphasizes the importance of considering non-abusive causes for injuries in children.