The death of a teenage boy at a Scots school was reportedly caused by a “dangerous internet challenge.”
Emergency services were called to St Kentigerns Academy in Blackburn, West Lothian at 1.20pm yesterday after receiving reports of concern for person.
A 14-year-boy was given CPR at the scene before he was rushed to hospital, where he tragically died a short time later.
A number of local reports suggest that the child choked during the incident involving a social media challenge called ‘Tap Out’.
The game is believed to cause people to pass out due to a lack of oxygen.
One person said: “He was peacefully eating lunch at school Now he has passed away. They were playing a game called Tap Out.”
Another wrote: “I’m struggling to wrap my head around this, but his family will now be burying their 14-year-old son because of a game.”
A third person said: “His life was lost during break time today at St Kentigerns Academy. Poor boy suffered a horrible death. It happened over a game.”
A local community news page wrote: “Thoughts are with the family and friends of an S3 pupil at St Kentigern’s Academy who sadly passed away this evening, following an incident involving the game Tap Out.”
Nearby Broxburn Academy Parent council wrote: “Our thoughts go out to the family today and we wish to share to prevent this tragedy happening to anyone else, a family are grieving today.
“Please warn your children not to play tap out (putting another child in a head lock until they tap to be released). It can have serious consequences.”
In previous years, there have been a number of high profile cases of children in the United Kingdom that have died as a result of internet challenges.
Last year, 14-year-old Leon Brown was found unresponsive in his room in his Cumbernauld home on August 25.
The teen later died as a result of a deadly internet challenge called ‘Blackout’.
Less than three weeks prior to Leon’s death, 12-year-old Archie Battersbee died after having his life support turned off in hospital.
The child suffered a catastrophic brain injury in April after also taking part in the ‘Blackout’ challenge.
While the West Lothian schoolboy’s cause of death has not yet been confirmed, police say inquiries remain ongoing.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Around 1.20pm on Tuesday, 6 June, 2023, officers were called to a report of concern for a 14-year-old boy at a school in the Bathgate area.
“He was taken by ambulance to hospital for treatment, but died a short time later.
“His family have been informed and enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances of the death.”
Andrew Sharkey, Headteacher of St Kentigern’s Academy said: “Everyone in our school community has been devastated to learn of the tragic death of one of our pupils.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with their family and friends and we extend our deepest condolences and offers of support.
“We have set up ongoing emotional support and signposting for students and staff affected by this tragic news.
“We would like to respect the family’s privacy at this incredibly painful time.
“We are assisting the relevant authorities with their investigation to establish the facts and we will not be making any further comment at this time.”
Don’t miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond – sign up to our daily newsletter here.
