SECTION 1: REFLECTING ON CHOICES AND CONSEQUENCES
Cognitive Reflection Questions:
- Why do you think the teens believed this challenge was okay to participate in?
- What are the possible things that could go wrong when participating in a prank or viral challenge at 3:00 a.m. in a residential area?
- If you were one of the teens, what warning signs would have told you this was a bad idea? Did they ignore those signs?
- What are other seemingly harmless decisions that can quickly become dangerous in real life?
- Do you think the person who fired the gun acted in fear or anger? How does fear or perception shape our reactions in high-stress moments?
SECTION 2: REALITY VS. SOCIAL MEDIA
Trend Awareness Questions:
- Why do some young people take part in challenges on social media even if they seem risky?
- What does this story teach us about how real life is different from what we see on apps like TikTok?
- How can you personally tell when something online could lead to a dangerous situation in real life?
- Have you ever done something because you thought it would be funny or impress others? What did you learn from that experience?
SECTION 3: IDENTITY, INTENTION, AND IMPACT
Deeper Identity-Based Questions (Aligning with your behavior programs):
- What does this story teach you about the importance of knowing who you are and what values guide your decisions?
- How can understanding yourself help you avoid being pulled into trends that don’t match your character?
- What do you think the victim would have done differently if he had taken a moment to think about his future self?
- If you had the chance to talk to him before that night, what advice would you have given?
SECTION 4: CREATING YOUR RESPONSE PLAN
Behavioral Skill-Building Exercises:
- “The Line” Activity: Write out what behaviors or decisions cross the line for you. Identify your limits.
- Scenario Planning: Imagine your friend wants to do a dangerous challenge. Write down 3 things you could say or do to stop them.
- Future Forecast: Write a letter to your 25-year-old self explaining how you plan to make decisions that keep you alive, free, and proud of your path.
- Accountability Partner Pledge: Name someone in your life who can help keep you grounded when you’re tempted to do something reckless. Write down how you’ll reach out to them.
CLOSING QUESTIONS
- What was the biggest lesson you learned from this story?
- How could this story have ended differently?
- What will you do next time you’re in a situation where a bad decision feels like it might be worth the risk?
- Why is it important to always think beyond the moment?