A new dangerous trend has emerged among children in social media – a game called "Red Doors, Yellow Doors", or "Doors of the Mind". During this game, schoolchildren attempt to put each other into a trance-like state.
This can pose serious risks to both physical and psychological health, warns the National Social Service of Ukraine.
They explain that during the game, children try to induce a trance or hypnotic state in one of the participants. This involves relaxation techniques and visualization. As a result, the child supposedly sees imaginary rooms that they describe.
Experts emphasize that such activities can harm students physically and psychologically. Similar games can disrupt blood circulation, cause spasms, headaches, and dizziness.
Moreover, these practices can increase intracranial pressure and, in the presence of congenital conditions, may lead to a stroke.
The National Social Service has noted that "Red Doors, Yellow Doors" can trigger symptoms of anxiety and disorientation in children, sometimes leading to panic attacks and the development of psychosis.
Consequences of such games can also include nightmares and distorted perceptions of reality.
Additionally, dangerous trends may have social-behavioral risks for children:
- withdrawal;
- irritability;
- anxiety;
- engaging in dangerous actions or crimes.
"Be aware! The aggressor country uses gaming mechanisms to recruit children for real crimes and involvement in sabotage – arson, planting explosives, damaging infrastructure," the social service emphasized.
What should parents do if their children are engaged in dangerous activities?
Parents are advised to build trusting relationships with their children to notice dangerous trends early. The service recommends that adults first calmly talk to their child, asking about their interests in the game and listening without judgment.
Then, it is important to explain the potential risks of such games, discussing their impact on mental health and the possibility of involvement in criminal activities.
"Pay attention to emotional behavior. If the child becomes withdrawn, anxious, or has nightmares after the conversation, seek help from a psychologist," experts added.
This year, a dangerous challenge involving children making firecrackers spread across social media. As a result of attempts to create pyrotechnics, three children ended up in a hospital in Lviv.