Teenagers are always looking for the next big trend, but some viral challenges can be risky. One such challenge is the Condom Snorting Challenge—a dangerous stunt where a person inhales a condom through their nose and pulls it out through their mouth.
This challenge may seem like an internet joke, but it has been around since 2007 and still resurfaces online.
Why Is This Challenge a Concern?
While it might seem like harmless fun, the risks are real:
- Choking hazard – A condom can get stuck in the airway, making it hard to breathe.
- Infections – Snorting a foreign object can introduce bacteria, leading to serious infections.
- Allergic reactions – Some people are allergic to latex, which can cause swelling or difficulty breathing.
- Peer pressure – Teens may feel pressured to try these stunts for attention, likes, and online fame.
How Did the Condom Snorting Challenge Start?
- This trend first appeared in 2007, but most videos were uploaded between 2007 and 2013.
- In 2018, videos of teens attempting this challenge resurfaced on YouTube and even live-streaming platforms.
- It is often confused with the Condom Challenge, where condoms are filled with water and dropped on people.
What Are Experts Saying?
According to associate professor Bruce Lee from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, snorting a condom could be very dangerous. It could get stuck in the air passage and cause the person to choke and even die. He spoke about two previously reported cases where there was “accidental condom inhalation” in a 27 year old woman who had inhaled the condom right into her lungs during oral sex. This caused pneumonia and part of her lung collapsed thereafter. – News Medical Life Sciences
This practice is not only gross, it’s also potentially dangerous. As Live Science has previously reported, there are few things that you ever want to put up your nose. – Live Science
Signs Your Teen Might Be Engaging in Risky Online Behavior
Look out for:
- Increased time spent watching challenge videos.
- Conversations about viral trends with friends.
- Sudden interest in social media challenges.
- Condoms found in their room or belongings with no clear explanation.
What Can Parents Do?
- Start a conversation – Talk to your child about the risks and why this challenge is dangerous.
- Check online activity – See if your teen is watching or engaging with these videos.
- Contact the school if needed – If your child or their peers are involved, the school should be aware.
- Encourage reporting – Teach teens to report dangerous behavior online.
- Promote critical thinking – Remind them that they don’t have to follow every online trend.
- Build trust – Make sure they know they can come to you with concerns about social media.