In recent weeks, numerous children in various Balkan nations have sustained injuries while participating in a new TikTok trend known as Flying Superman, which doctors caution can result in broken arms, legs, or spines.

During the challenge, participants are tossed into the air by peers and adopt a Superman-like pose while “flying” before landing, mimicking a dive into water. Nonetheless, injuries, whether minor or severe, can occur when hitting the ground.

The mother of a 12-year-old from Podgorica, Montenegro, who injured his hand attempting the challenge on Monday, recounted to BIRN that her son expressed a desire to play the game with friends, believing it was not dangerous.

“He mentioned this after we completed the doctor’s assessment and began to inquire deeper into how he got hurt in the gym, and where the teacher was,” she shared.

“We were astonished. We assumed a child who encounters discussions about numerous dangers on social media … who hears daily how risky it all is, and has parental oversight, wouldn’t find themselves in such a predicament,” she added.

On Wednesday, Montenegrin police issued a warning regarding the hazards associated with this new challenge, although they did not specify the number of injured children to date.

“We urge parents to converse with their children about the threats, violence, and self-destructive behavior fueled by the mentioned challenge, along with similar activities on social platforms.

“It’s essential to monitor children’s online actions and educate them about responsible internet and social network usage,” added the police.

Severe Head Injuries

Reports from Bosnia and Herzegovina indicate that over 20 teenagers have been injured while engaging in this challenge. Doctors in the region report that some children aged 12 to 16 have incurred serious head trauma.

Ismet Gavrankapetanovic, director of the General Hospital in Sarajevo, urged parents to familiarize themselves with TikTok and the potentially severe ramifications its challenges could have on children.

“The alarming number of severely injured children and teens we have treated recently necessitates a serious approach from everyone to highlight the severe consequences these injuries can result in,” he stated in an interview with Radio Sarajevo’s website.

This challenge has also reached North Macedonia, where officials reported last week that at least 11 children had suffered injuries so far. “The youngest patient is ten years old, while the oldest is 16 … we encountered two cases involving broken bones,” revealed Nebojsha Nastov, head of the University Surgical Clinic in Skopje, during a media briefing last week.

In Kosovo, on December 10, the South Mitrovica municipality reported that seven schoolchildren had been injured while attempting the challenge. Drita Kadriu, Municipal Director for Education, informed BIRN: “The children received first aid and were transported to healthcare facilities.”

A day earlier, Kosovo police cautioned that TikTok challenges “pose a risk to youth safety and health”. They encouraged “parents and the community to educate children and teenagers about the dangers associated with these challenges”.

In Croatia, Dalmacijadanas.hr reported on December 5 about a 12-year-old boy in Split “who was hospitalized for the entire day yesterday…

“He attempted to complete this challenge during a school break with friends and fell onto his back. Luckily, he only sustained minor injuries, but it could have been much worse,” Dalmacijadanas.hr reported.

“I’m still processing everything but relieved that there were no severe consequences,” the boy’s mother told the website.

BIRN’s Digital Rights Violations Annual Report 2023-2024 has indicated that TikTok challenges have emerged as a significant concern for parents, educators, and mental health professionals, as many promote risky or dangerous behavior.