A 14-year-old middle school student in Thessaloniki was taken to the hospital after fainting while participating in an online “challenge” with her classmates.

The incident occurred shortly after noon at the 1st Middle School of Sykies, and the girl was transported by ambulance to the “Hippokration” Hospital.

According to a parent who initially reported the incident on Status FM 107.7, the 14-year-old, along with her classmates, had taken part in a TikTok challenge.

“I Hope They Get Serious”

As a father of another student explained to Proto Thema, the children were required to hold their breath for an extended period, causing the 14-year-old to faint and be rushed to the hospital.

“They were playing a ‘game’ they saw on TikTok, and the girl fainted and had to be taken to the hospital by ambulance. I hope this shakes the kids up and makes them take things seriously because this is dangerous. Things have gotten out of hand; they do whatever they see on social media,” he stated.

He also noted that no similar incidents had occurred at this particular school before. A few hours later, the school administration sent an email to parents.

In the email, signed by the school principal, it stated:

“I would like to inform you that today at school, we had an incident where a student fainted and was subsequently taken by an ambulance from the National Emergency Aid Center (EKAV). After conducting a thorough investigation into the causes of the fainting, we determined that it occurred as a result of the ‘Valsalva Challenge,’ which the student voluntarily attempted (essentially holding one’s breath).

This challenge activates the parasympathetic nervous system, leading to a reduction in heart rate and fainting. It was also reported that other students at our school have attempted this challenge outside of school, causing themselves to experience fainting episodes as well.

Please discuss with your children the dangers they face when copying ‘challenges’ they see on TikTok. Tomorrow, I will personally address each class individually.”

Psychologists at the School

According to information from Proto Thema, the incident occurred during a break, and the 14-year-old began to feel unwell when she returned inside the school. As a precaution, an EKAV ambulance was called. Later, her classmates revealed that they had been playing the specific “game.”

The Regional Director of Education for Central Macedonia, Alexandros Koptsis, told Proto Thema: “As soon as we were informed, we took all necessary actions and instructed a full investigation into the causes, timing, and circumstances of the incident. Fortunately, the child is in good health.”

Mr. Koptsis also announced: “We have instructed psychologists to visit the school tomorrow and speak with students and teachers.”