Thread by @Theresa_Chapple

My plan is to thank everyone individually for the care and support you have shown my family.
First by helping me identify a trauma & grief therapist in Philly, secondly by helping ensure that my family have the resources to maintain treatment.
My Twitter community is priceless.

Last night, I talked to my 10 year old about the event that caused the life of her 9 year old cousin. Today, I will talk to you all about it.
The goal, education, with hopes that not another child is lost this way.
Let's discuss the #BlackoutChallenge

This is a challenge that is rampant on the internet. If you google, the majority of children to have died from this are 9 and 10.
The CDC suggest that over 80 kids have recently subcumbed to this.
As a mom of a 10 year old, I knew nothing about the resurgence of this challenge.

Please talk to your children about
1- what's appropriate to watch on social media
2- help them differeniate real from fake with these challenges
3- help them think through what could go wrong if they copy things they see
4- teach them about bodily safety.

My cousin saw this challenge on the news, so even if your child is insulated from social media (like my kids are), it doesn't mean they are insulated from internet crazes.
At 9 and 10, kids are given more space to play with friends without adults staring down their necks.

Help your kids identify unsafe things/play and give them the words needed to go get help. Ensure your children that seeking help wont lead to them getting in trouble, just gratitude from all the adults.
My cousin was gone within 3 minutes of an adult checking in on him playing.

The number one cause of death of all kids ages 1-17 is unintentional injury. Some can be prevented. Saamir's could have. I hope sharing our story protects many others.
Talk to your littles about the dangers of the #BlackoutChallenge