In Meerut district, Uttar Pradesh, two children left their homes as part of a so-called ’24-hour challenge.’ Officials reported that their decision was influenced by a YouTube game called ‘Secret House.’ This incident highlights the growing impact of social media and online content on youth behavior, raising concerns among parents and community members about the potential risks associated with such challenges.
Lavania added that the families of the children searched the neighbourhood and relatives’ homes but found no trace of them, resulting in them calling the police. The two children were recovered safely and returned to their homes later in the day. The gameplay has also inspired children to attempt real-life hideouts.
The two children, aged 11 and 7, had suddenly gone missing from home on Sunday afternoon in Hastinapur, news agency PTI quoted Circle Officer (Mawana) Pankaj Lavania as saying. The 24-hour Secret House challenge is a new trend on YouTube where created feature challenges about building hidden bases or rooms.
In response to the incident, the police launched “Mission Shakti” to find the children. During questioning, the children told cops that they had watched the gaming content and decided to recreate the challenge themselves.
