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9-year-old dies in blackout challenge as family seeks accountability
Summary
A 9-year-old girl in Stephenville, Texas, died after taking part in the viral "blackout challenge," and her parents are calling on social media companies to be held accountable.
Content
JackLynn Blackwell, a 9-year-old from Stephenville, Texas, died after participating in the viral "blackout challenge," according to reports. The incident occurred on Feb. 3, and her parents say they attempted to revive her before emergency responders arrived. The challenge is reported as involving intentional restriction of breathing that can cause a temporary blackout. The family is publicly urging social media companies to take responsibility for content that they say contributed to the tragedy.
Key facts:
- The child is identified as JackLynn Blackwell, age 9, and the incident took place in Stephenville, Texas on Feb. 3, as reported by CBS News and Fox News.
- Her father said he found her unresponsive and performed CPR until first responders arrived, according to the report.
- Reports say JackLynn had shown a family member a video of the "blackout challenge" beforehand; the challenge is described in coverage as involving intentional choking or self-strangulation.
- The articles note a CDC figure cited in coverage that approximately 80 children have died from this online trend, and they say some platforms are blocking related content or adding warnings.
Summary:
Family members have urged greater accountability from social media companies following the girl's death, and the articles report platforms have taken steps such as blocking related videos or adding warnings. The parents say those measures are not sufficient. Undetermined at this time.
