Boy, 12, dies in social media challenge as family condemns 'dangerous' online world

The family of a 12-year-old boy has warned of the "danger" of social media after their son died in an online challenge.

Police were called to an address in Castleford, West Yorkshire, on Friday by paramedics.

The child, Sebastian, was taken to hospital where it was "later confirmed he had died", West Yorkshire Police said.

Enquiries to "establish exactly what happened" are ongoing, the force added.

"That one moment online changed everything," an appeal on a Go Fund Me page said.

It added that a "dangerous internet challenge" took Sebastian's life and that it was a "tragedy beyond words".

The appeal said: "No parent should ever have to bury their child. No one should ever endure such heartbreak."

Urging people to "talk to your children about what they do online", it said: "Ask what they watch, who they talk to, what inspires them. Be present. Don't assume 'my child would never do that'.

"The online world can be as dangerous as the real one - sometimes even more so."

Sebastian is described as a boy with a "gentle spirit" who was "full of dreams, passion, and incredible talent" and who "taught himself to play the guitar and keyboard".

The appeal said: "Let Sebastian's passing not be in vain. Let it be a quiet call for awareness - a reminder to stay close, to talk more, to protect the ones we love.

"So that other children may live. So that no other parent has to experience this unimaginable pain."

West Yorkshire Police said in a statement: "Police were called by ambulance colleagues to an address in Manor Grove, Castleford, at 6.06pm on Friday following reports of concern for the safety of a child.

"Officers attended the location and the boy was taken to hospital where it was later confirmed that he had died.

"Enquiries are ongoing on behalf of the West Yorkshire Coroner to establish exactly what happened. The incident is not being treated as suspicious."

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