SCHOOL administrators are being urged to crack down on a new practice among students called the ‘jump trip challenge’ or the ‘tripping jump challenge’.

In a press release yesterday, the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information noted that there are several videos being circulated on the Internet showing students jumping and falling violently to the ground after being tripped by other students.

“In this Tripping Jump Challenge, three students are placed in a horizontal line with the person in the middle apparently unaware of what will happen. The persons on both ends give the impression that all three will be jumping but instead, the two on either side use their feet to trip the middle student who innocently jumps, causing that person to fall hard to the ground,” the ministry said.

The ministry cautioned school administrators against the popular prank being played out in schools, and advised them to take every precaution to put an end the practice.

“This prank demonstrates a lack of good judgement on the part of those involved and should not be tolerated. Students are partaking in the prank not realising that a fall of such nature can cause serious physical, mental and emotional damage, with great legal and financial implications,” the release said.

The education ministry has also asked schools to ensure that parents are made aware of this situation and enlist their support in reiterating to students the importance of respect for each other, the need for empathy and for every child to feel and be safe, as well as for them to use social media responsibly.

The ministry said it stands ready to provide any assistance needed to ensure that this practice ceases immediately.