Warning: Dangerous Trends Among Teenagers
The police in the Odesa region warn: train surfing or thrill-seeking – is not an act of bravery, but a dangerous game that can lead to tragic outcomes.
Thanks to social media, this activity is becoming increasingly popular among teenagers. Young people chase adrenaline without realizing the potential dangers involved.
«This is not courage, but a dangerous game with death,» insists Victoria Chalova, head of juvenile prevention at the Odesa Regional Police.
This year, there have already been several tragic incidents in the Odesa region: teenagers have died and suffered severe burns after climbing onto stationary train cars. Police Major Victoria Chalova emphasizes that even stationary railway infrastructure poses a lethal risk due to high voltage. You can be electrocuted not just by touch; sometimes, merely getting too close is enough.
Police work daily to prevent such tragedies. They educate children in schools, conduct raids at train stations, collaborate with Odesa Railway staff, and monitor social media to quickly identify dangerous content.
«Kids often imitate what they see on social media. They fail to realize that a few thousand likes are not worth the consequences – serious burns, loss of health, or even life,» warns Victoria Chalova, head of juvenile police in the Odesa region.
According to her, the motivation for such behavior is not only the desire to stand out but also peer pressure: if thrill-seeking is seen as brave in a group, a child will try to meet those expectations.
The officer also reminds that the responsibility for these actions does not only rest on the teenagers. If the offender is under 16, parents will be held accountable. And not just administratively; in cases of severe consequences, criminal liability is also considered.
«A child’s safety begins at home – with trust, explanations, and supervision. Parents must know who their child is interacting with, what they are watching online, what they dream about, and where they spend their free time. It’s important to note: under current legislation, children under 16 are not allowed in public places without adult supervision between 10 PM and 6 AM. These simple rules can save lives,» concluded Victoria Chalova.
