"Blackout Challenge": states seek to punish inciting children to self-harm

Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and Lower Saxony want to better protect children and teenagers from dangerous online dares. Their motion for a resolution is on the Bundesrat's agenda on Friday, 16 October. The aim is to close gaps in criminal law when minors are induced to self-harm via digital media.

As an example, the states cite the so-called "Blackout Challenge", in which children choke themselves or each other until they lose consciousness. According to the Bundesrat, this has led to serious injuries, lasting brain damage and deaths.

It would become a crime to deliberately lead minors to take their own lives or seriously harm themselves – including through challenges aimed at many minors. The Bundesrat's legal, family and interior committees have examined the motion and submitted recommendations.