(haipo) – The carousel challenge, which began gaining momentum on the social network TikTok about six years ago, continues to claim victims around the world – and now in Israel as well. It is an especially dangerous challenge, which has led to serious injuries and even loss of life among children and teenagers who have tried it.
This week, two serious injuries were recorded in Kiryat Ata, when two boys were injured while performing the challenge. One of the boys is hospitalized in moderate condition, while the other was critically injured.
According to an MDA report received on Sunday, March 23, 2025, two 14-year-old boys were injured during the Carousel Challenge. One of them was very seriously injured with injuries to his upper body, and during CPR, his pulse was restored. The other boy was moderately injured and suffers from injuries to his limbs. The two were evacuated to Rambam Hospital, where one of them is hospitalized in the intensive care unit in critical condition, while his friend is hospitalized in the pediatric surgical ward.
How does the Dangerous Challenge work?
The viral challenge turns the old-fashioned amusement park carousel into a motorized one: Participants sit in the center of the carousel while their friends spin it at high speed using a motorcycle or electric scooter wheel placed on the ground. The extreme force of the rotation can cause serious injuries, similar to those experienced by pilots or astronauts exposed to high G-forces – and in extreme cases, even lead to strokes.
Carousels in Haifa – Do they still exist?
In the city of Haifa, most new and renovated playgrounds no longer include carousels, but several parks still have such facilities. Parents, educators, and law enforcement authorities are urged to be vigilant and talk to youth about the dangers of this challenge, in order to prevent further disasters.
Haifa contacted the municipality to request accurate and updated data regarding the roundabouts installed throughout the city, but so far no information has been received on the subject. We also asked whether the municipality is taking steps to raise awareness of the possible dangers arising from the roundabout challenge, and if so, what steps have been taken so far.
At the same time, we contacted the Ministry of Health to request data on injury cases related to the Carousel Challenge, but were told that the reported data is classified by type of injury (such as fractures, burns, etc.) and does not indicate the cause of the injury. Similar information was also received from the "Betram" organization.
The carousel is a popular amusement ride that operates on the principle of rotation in a horizontal plane. Children and adults enjoy the sensation of centrifugal acceleration, although it may cause nausea in sensitive individuals.
There are carousels of various sizes: In amusement parks, you can find manual carousels, where the occupants turn the central steering wheel or accelerate in motion. With the exposure of the trend on social media, the innocent carousel, whose entire essence is to cause joy and amusement, has become a deadly game.
In the absence of a clear parental message, teens may make risky choices.
Orly Silvinger, CEO of the Betrem organization for child safety, told Lipah: "Teenagers tend to adopt behaviors they are exposed to on social media. Sometimes these are 'online challenges' that may endanger their safety. The 'Carousel Challenge', which we were exposed to in recent days, is a clear example of this. The decision-making system of teens can be influenced by stretching boundaries, curiosity, and social pressure. In the absence of a clear parental message, they may make dangerous choices. Therefore, it is important to be aware of the dangers that arise online, to have a conversation with children about the consequences and risks of performing various challenges, and to clarify to them the parental position regarding what is permitted and what is prohibited."
Stupidity. TikTok addiction is a global madness.