Not Every Online Challenge Is Harmless
Online challenges are often presented as games, trends, or tests of courage.
Some are creative and harmless.
Others, however, are designed to manipulate emotions, create fear, or pressure young people into harmful behavior.
Cyber awareness helps you understand that no challenge should ever put your safety, well-being, or life at risk.
What Harmful Online Challenges Really Are
Harmful online challenges are not games.
They are structured forms of manipulation that may involve:
emotional pressure
fear-based control
secrecy
escalating demands
threats or extortion
Their goal is not participation — it is control.
How These Challenges Usually Start
Many harmful challenges begin in subtle ways:
a private message
an invitation in a group or comment section
a link shared as “curiosity”
a claim that “everyone is doing it”
At first, the requests may seem harmless.
Over time, they escalate.
Real Situations Young People Encounter
Scenario 1: “It’s Just a Game”
A student receives a message inviting them to participate in a challenge.
It’s described as harmless, secret, or exciting.
The rules discourage telling anyone.
Secrecy is the first warning sign.
Scenario 2: Escalating Pressure
Tasks become more uncomfortable or frightening.
The student feels trapped by curiosity or fear of consequences.
Pressure replaces choice.
Scenario 3: Threats and Extortion
The challenge controller threatens exposure, harm, or consequences if the student stops.
Fear is used to maintain control.
This is extortion — not a game.
Why These Challenges Are Dangerous
Harmful online challenges can lead to:
emotional distress
anxiety and fear
loss of control
coercion
long-term psychological harm
They are designed to isolate victims from help.
Common Warning Signs
Extra caution is needed if a challenge:
requires secrecy
uses fear or threats
pushes self-punishment or harm
demands proof or images
escalates over time
discourages asking for help
Any one of these is enough to stop immediately.
What To Do If You Encounter a Harmful Challenge
If you receive an invitation or message like this:
do not participate
do not respond
do not follow instructions
save evidence
block and report the account
tell a trusted adult immediately
Stopping early protects you.
Asking for Help Is a Strength
These challenges rely on silence.
Breaking secrecy removes their power.
Talking to:
a parent or guardian
a teacher or counselor
school staff
a trusted adult
is the safest response.
You are not getting anyone in trouble — you are protecting yourself.
If You’re Already Involved
If you feel stuck or threatened:
stop responding
save all messages
seek adult help immediately
contact platform safety teams
You do not need to handle this alone.
Understanding This Is Not Your Fault
These challenges are designed to manipulate fear and curiosity.
Being targeted does not mean:
you were weak
you made a bad choice
you failed
Responsibility lies with those creating and spreading harm.
Prevention Through Awareness
Cyber awareness helps prevent harm by teaching:
that secrecy is a red flag
that fear should never guide choices
that no online challenge is mandatory
that help is always allowed
Awareness interrupts manipulation.
Why This Matters
Understanding the risks of harmful online challenges supports:
emotional safety
digital resilience
personal protection
early intervention
Early awareness saves lives.
How This Makes You a Cyber Hero
A cyber hero protects themselves and others.
By recognizing and avoiding harmful online challenges:
you refuse manipulation
break secrecy
seek help
help stop the spread of harm
Awareness turns courage into protection.
Daniel Porta
Cybersecurity Professional | CISO
Founder, Be a Cyber Hero Initiative