Remember back to when you were a kid. What did you do for fun?

You probably hung out with your friends, shot some hoops, and when evening fell, did you ever try to scare one another for a good laugh?

I recall a game called Ghost in the Graveyard. Sometimes a game of hide and seek could get a little scary. As you got a little older, did you ever play with the Ouija board?

There is no need to pay for a board with the recent social media craze #CharlieCharlieChallenge.

How does it work?

All you need is a piece of paper and two pencils. You write “yes” and “no” on the paper as shown to the right.

Then, simply balance one pencil on top of the other and ask the question “Charlie, Charlie are you here?” If you get a “Yes” response – kids start asking questions. But most kids just freak out if they get any kind of movement, convinced that the Mexican demon “Charlie” is in the room with them.

The trick, of course, is that when the pencils are balanced like this, any movement in the room or slight breeze is going to cause the pencil to move.

Why are kids doing this?

Kids like to experiment. They want to find out for themselves if it works and may even want some answers on whether that girl really likes them or if they are going to pass their math test.
Kids also like to become part of the social conversation. Social media makes it easy to do so.

With a tweet, photo, or even video on the subject, they can be a part of the hype. They include the hashtag #charliecharliechallenge with a photo on Instagram and this may lead to many new followers or likes – and that is the social status currency in today’s world.

Should we worry?

I’m a parent. I don’t like the talk of demons, spirits, or zombies any more than the next mom. But kids will be kids. They are going to try and scare each other.

In reality, this game is harmless. The trend will fade and tomorrow they will be on to something else to pass their time.

What should I do?

Ask your kids if they’ve heard of it, if they’ve tried it, and what they think about it. You know your kids best and should be able to tell if they are scared by it or if they have no idea what you are talking about. Remember that kids younger than 10 are on social media and even if your child isn’t, they may have a friend who is. These kids could be more frightened by such a game.

If they seem to be a bit scared, explain the science of gravity behind it. Maybe even explaining something that you did when you were a kid to try to freak each other out would be helpful.
You can also ask them, “What would you ask it if you played?” This can present the opportunity to find out what is going on in your child’s mind.

Social media is a powerful tool. Keep it real and in perspective with your family and you’ll be just fine!

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