Parents are being warned about a potentially deadly social media craze among children called the 'Sowie passout challenge'.
The 'Sowie passout challenge' involves a student pressing on the chest of another student until they passout.
Another person then films the dangerous challenge and the video is posted on social media.
Meols Cop High School, in Southport, this week contacted parents and guardians to warn them of the challenge, nicknamed 'Sowie' for Southport.
In a message the school said: "Safeguarding alert - We have been made aware of a new social media craze called "Sowie passout".
"Please be assured that we have spoken to our students re the dangers this can cause.
"Can I ask that you support us by speaking to your child and if you have concerns re them attempting this game that you speak to them about the dangers it presents. Thank you for your ongoing support."
It is understood videos of children acting out the 'game' are being posted to Instagram and on Snapchat.
It is not known whether any incidents of the challenge have been reported to police on Merseyside .
There is no suggestion any students from Meols Cop High School have been involved in the 'challenge'.
Parent Nicola Beck has an 11-year-old and 16-year-old and said the "sick game" is very worrying.
She told the ECHO: "I think it is absolutely disgusting what these kids are doing.
"They have no idea how dangerous it actually is.
"As a parent to an 11-year-old and a 16-year-old it makes me even more worried about them being in high school, when there are kids doing this and thinking it is a game.
"It could actually kill someone and then to also video it, is shocking."
The mum-of-two said she is worried the craze will target vulnerable children.
She added: "Parents need to be made aware of what this “Sowie passout” is so that all parents can keep an eye on their kids and make sure they have no involvement.
"Some kids are so easily led and will do anything to be 'cool at school' or part of a group, but this is going too far and I am worried they will pick on vulnerable kids to do this sick game."
Sefton Council were approached for comment.
