Paraguay Ministry of Childhood issues alert over TikTok disappearance challenge

The Paraguayan Ministry of Childhood and Adolescence, alongside the National Police, has issued an urgent alert to parents regarding a dangerous viral trend on TikTok known as the ‘disappear for 48 hours’ challenge. The trend encourages children and adolescents to leave their homes and sever all communication with family members for a two-day period.

Participants reportedly earn digital points if the challenge successfully triggers media coverage and emergency alerts, such as the MAFE system. Authorities noted that cases have already been reported in Argentina, prompting warnings to Paraguayan officials to prevent regional spread. Minister Walter Gutiérrez emphasized the high risks involved, noting that the challenge exposes minors to various dangerous situations, and urged parents to maintain open dialogue with their children as a preventive measure.