Romanian Police warn of TikTok Ghost Prank trend

Romanian authorities have issued a warning regarding the “Ghost Prank” trend on TikTok, where a filter simulates a ghost appearing behind a person. In these viral videos, parents film their children’s terrified reactions to the filter for social media views.

Police officials have categorized these actions as emotional abuse rather than harmless pranks. They noted that while adults may find the reactions amusing, children often experience pure panic, as they cannot distinguish the digital filter from a real threat. Experts warn that such incidents can lead to long-term psychological consequences, including anxiety, sleep disorders, and a breakdown of trust between children and their parents.

Authorities emphasized that the duty of an adult is to protect children from fear rather than exploiting it for online engagement. Users who encounter videos featuring minors being frightened, humiliated, or harassed are encouraged to report the content directly through TikTok.