The Department of Education issued warning today to students and parents about a dangerous internet prank called the ‘Jump Tripping Challenge’.
The prank involves three students standing close together, with the one standing in the middle encouraged to jump as high as possible.
The person standing on opposite sides then kicks or pushes the jumper’s legs out from under them, causing them to fall. The jumper then loses control in the air and comes crashing down to the ground, which could result in this person hitting their head or other parts of their body.
The Department noted that in the videos, some children are voluntarily participating in the ‘challenge’ and others are innocent, and unwittingly bullied into jumping or tripping. Either way, the result of the prank or the ‘challenge’ can lead to severe injuries.
The Department has issued a warning to principals to be vigilant and to advise students that the prank will not be tolerated and has no place in our schools. Commissioner Richards is encouraging parents to speak with their children and warn them about the dangers associated with this prank and the importance of respecting their fellow students.
Commissioner of Education, Kalmar Richards noted, “I’ve watched the alarming videos of this prank and sadly the ‘challenge’ is gaining popularity. We need parents to be aware of this challenge, and students to exercise proper judgment and respect for the safety of their peers. This prank or challenge is not a trend we wish to see in Bermuda.”