The benefits of social networks are unquestionable if they are used properly, but they can also become a problem when they are used to spread dangerous activities that, especially the younger generation, tends to imitate.

This is the case of the latest viral challenge, called “the floating desk challenge”, which is spreading through the classrooms across the province. It consists of suspending a chair from a wall hanger and then putting a desk on top. Of course students who take part in this high-risk activity usually end up on the floor, with many of them requiring medical assistance.

Students then record the activity on their mobile phones and spread it on social networks. But many local authorities are now taking a dim view of the student’s endeavours with the latest episode resulting in the suspension of several students from the Antonio Serna de Albatera institute only last week.

According to sources, the centre has suspended between 15 and 20 high school students for a period of between 3 and 5 days.

Although the school authorities refuse to comment on the matter many parents are saying that their actions are heavy handed although there are others who disagree adding that this type of situation could cause serious injuries and because the use of mobile phones in schools is totally out of control.