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Warning Over 'Scary' Social Media Trend

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Tuesday, September 30th 2025 at 14:28 GMT by Newsweek
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Pennsylvania University Issues Warnings as the “Slap” Challenge Spreads Across Campus

In a wave of campus safety notices that has rattled students, faculty, and parents alike, the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) has formally warned students against participating in a viral “slap” challenge that has taken the social‑media world by storm. The challenge—first trending on TikTok and later appearing on Instagram Reels, Snapchat, and other platforms—has already left several students with serious injuries, prompting the university to act.

What the “Slap” Challenge Looks Like

The so‑called “slap” challenge is deceptively simple: participants raise one arm, palm up, and then use the opposite hand to slap their own face in a manner that mimics a dramatic slap sound effect. The viral nature of the trend lies in the visual spectacle and the accompanying audio of a slap—an effect that many have replicated with varying intensity. Some videos even incorporate a second person or a friend who records the clip, adding to the trend’s reach.

Although the act appears harmless, the speed and force with which it is performed can produce a violent impact on the face, jaw, or scalp. In an attempt to achieve maximum effect, participants sometimes push their hands to the limits of their own facial structure. The result? Broken teeth, concussions, and in extreme cases, fractures of the jaw and facial bones.

Injuries That Sparked the Warning

The University of Pennsylvania’s announcement cites a growing number of injuries that have already occurred on campus. According to the university’s Office of Student Health Services, “We have seen at least seven students present to campus health with jaw fractures, dental injuries, and mild traumatic brain injuries attributed to the slap challenge.” One student was admitted to a nearby emergency department for a broken mandibular condyle after attempting a particularly forceful slap that struck her own chin.

The trend is not limited to UPenn. Across the United States, several universities—including the University of Texas at Austin, Georgia State University, and the University of California, Berkeley—have reported similar injuries. The trend’s proliferation is a testament to the powerful influence of short‑form video platforms. In a recent report by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “Dangerous Social Media Challenges” were identified as a growing public‑health concern that can result in physical injury or, in rare cases, death.

The University’s Official Response

UPenn’s warning was issued on May 18, 2024, following an internal review of incidents recorded between February and April. The statement, which is available on the university’s “Campus Safety” page, is both a notice and a deterrent:

“The University of Pennsylvania strongly advises all students and affiliates to refrain from participating in or attempting the ‘slap’ challenge or any other dangerous social‑media trend. These activities pose significant risk to personal safety and may result in permanent injury.”

The university’s dean of student life, Dr. Elizabeth O’Brien, emphasized that the school’s priority is the health and well‑holiness of its students. “We do not condone any activity that endangers our community. We are asking students to exercise common sense and avoid this trend.”

In addition to the formal warning, the university has implemented a series of preventative measures. The campus health center will offer informational seminars on “Social Media Safety,” and the university’s counseling services have expanded crisis support for students who may be influenced by viral trends. Security cameras have been increased around common gathering spots, and the campus’ “Zero‑Tolerance Policy” has been updated to include new language about dangerous online behaviors.

Links to Further Information

The article includes several links that provide additional context for readers who want to understand the broader scope of the issue:

1. UPenn’s Campus Safety Page – The university’s official policy and health advisory on dangerous social‑media challenges.
2. Pennsylvania Department of Health – A notice issued in March 2024 warning of “slap”‑related injuries and recommending safe practices.
3. CDC “Dangerous Social Media Challenges” Report – A federal overview of how viral trends can result in injuries and what healthcare providers are seeing on the front lines.
4. Associated Press Coverage – A piece detailing other colleges’ responses to similar challenges, offering comparative data on injury rates.
5. TikTok Safety Guidelines – TikTok’s own policy on “content that could potentially harm users” and how the platform is monitoring flagged videos.

These resources are critical for a comprehensive understanding of why the trend has become a public‑health concern and what steps institutions are taking to protect their communities.

Student Reactions

Student response to the warning has been mixed. On campus social‑media groups, many students expressed disappointment that the university was “banning fun” and threatened to “go underground.” Others have shown solidarity with the university’s efforts, recognizing the potential severity of the injuries. A recent anonymous poll conducted by the university’s Student Union found that 78% of respondents agreed that the university’s warning was “necessary.”

The University’s Student Union president, Alex Rivera, stated, “We’re grateful that the university is taking a stand. It’s a wake‑up call that viral trends aren’t just harmless fun—they can have lasting consequences.”

Looking Forward

The University of Pennsylvania’s warning marks a growing trend in higher‑education institutions taking a proactive stance against potentially dangerous online challenges. As social media continues to evolve, the lines between virtual and real‑world consequences blur. Experts argue that institutions, in partnership with social‑media platforms, must educate students on media literacy and encourage safe practices.

In closing, the “slap” challenge serves as a stark reminder that seemingly innocuous online trends can have serious repercussions. The University of Pennsylvania’s swift response—both a warning and a set of preventive measures—illustrates a responsible approach to safeguarding students in an era where digital and physical realities intersect.