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#InMyFeelings challenge: Talking to teens about dangerous fads

The challenge, where individuals sing and dance to singer Drake's "In My Feelings" song while jumping out of moving cars and dancing in busy streets, has caused numerous injuries this past summer.

A man attempts the #InMyFeelings Challenge.
A man attempts the #InMyFeelings Challenge.Read moreScreenshot from YouTube user Cinecom.net

Have you seen it? The dangerous fad of the summer has been the #InMyFeelings challenge, also known as the #KikiChallenge, where individuals sing and dance to singer Drake's "In My Feelings" song while jumping out of moving cars and dancing in busy streets. Originating from Shiggy's viral Instagram video of his dancing to the music with over 7 million views, hundreds of thousands have sought to create their own music videos. Unfortunately, and perhaps unexpectedly, jumping out of and filming while in a moving car has led to serious injuries and even a pedestrian/vehicle crash.

In an attempt to dissuade folks against this trend, the National Transportation Safety Board issued a warning. Both domestically and internationally, where the videos have also gone viral, police and transportation centers have resorted to tactics ranging from clever signage to police tickets for taking part in the challenge. Here are some examples from India, Dubai, and Spain.

It may seem pretty obvious that dancing and singing alongside a moving vehicle is very risky, so why do these dangerous trends take off? The lure and perception of an unlimited virtual audience can seem so attractive and outweigh the risk to a teen, whose brain is still developing impulse control. In addition, without the direct and interpersonal connection, online activities can seem less risky.

To better understand how to speak with teens about recognizing the consequences of the fad and what it means when they watch and share these videos, here are some tips for parents adapted from Common Sense Media and the American Academy of Pediatrics:

Know the trends and ask your child about them. More indirect or abstract questions such as "Have you heard of the #InMyFeelings challenge?" or  "Do you know anyone who has recorded one?" might make your child feel more willing to open up and share his thoughts about the fad with you.

Consider the motivation. The approval or views online can act as a powerful type of peer pressure. Ask your child: "Why do you want to post this?" Weigh this against the fact that anything posted online will remain forever.

Think concretely about the consequences of the challenge. Talk about each step of the challenge and what might happen as a result. Keep the dialogue open and refrain from judgment as you and your teen brainstorm the possibilities. Provide and practice a script for how your teen might respond if asked to participate in an online challenge.

Patty Huang, MD, is a developmental and behavioral pediatrician at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. She moderates the Research In Action blog for Children Hospital of Philadelphia's Center for Injury Research and Prevention. A version of this article first appeared on the Research In Action blog.