A boy in Chongqing attempted a viral short-video stunt involving sitting cross-legged and hugging his own legs, resulting in temporary immobilization. A woman intervened and manually pulled his legs apart to free him.

Social Context

Short-video platforms like Douyin have fueled widespread imitation of physically risky challenges, particularly among children and teens. China’s Minors Protection Law (2021) mandates platform operators to restrict content that encourages dangerous behavior, yet enforcement remains inconsistent—leading to recurring incidents tied to algorithm-driven virality and peer emulation.

Safety Tip

Parents and educators should proactively review age-restricted content settings on children’s devices and co-watch trending videos to discuss risks before imitation occurs.