'Our young son died trying a trend he saw online - social media is to blame'

Daily Mirror

01-07-2025

Sebastian Cizman was found unresponsive by his cousins on Friday and his devastated parents say they want those promoting the deadly social media craze to be put in prison
The parents of a young child feared to have died taking part in a deadly viral challenge while they were downstairs cooking say social media companies are to blame for his death.
Sebastian Cizman, 12, was found unresponsive at his home in Castleford, West Yorkshire, by his cousins on Friday. Despite the best efforts of paramedics, he was later pronounced dead at hospital. The boy's family believe he was playing a dangerous game he had seen online, and have called for those promoting it to be put in prison.
‌
The motionless youngster was discovered on the staircase during his little brother's First Holy Communion celebrations. Now his mum and dad are demanding other parents be totally switched on to the dangers as they slammed the tech firms, saying they must be held to account for the content on their platforms.
‌
Marcin and Kasia Cizman say there are dangers lurking on kids' smart phones as they discussed their torment just days after his death. The brave parents say the loss of their son must help save others as they heaped pressure on social media companies by reliving the horror of losing Sebastian.
Office worker Kasia, 37, told MailOnline: "They should take the people who are promoting these challenges and put them in prison, so no other child dies. These platforms don't do anything, they make money and they don't care - how many kids have to die until they will do something?
"It's hard what I'm going to say, but I hope that the loss of my child is going to help some other children to understand. My message to other parents is check your children's phones before it is too late." His father Marcin claims tragic Sebastian, a self-taught classical pianist, was able to sign up to a social media platform "no questions asked", despite having to be at least 13-year-olds to legally have access.
A GoFundMe page has been launched to help transport Sebastian to Poland for his burial. On it, his devastated family paid tribute to him, saying: 'Sebastian was only 12 years old. A boy full of dreams, passion, and incredible talent. He taught himself to play the guitar and keyboard, and he loved to draw. Always smiling, kind, and full of joy — everyone who met him was touched by his gentle spirit.'
It goes on to talk about a 'dangerous internet challenge' saying: 'He had loving parents who did everything they could to give him a safe and happy childhood. They would have given him the stars. Sadly, one brief moment changed everything. A dangerous internet challenge took his life.
‌
'What happened is a tragedy beyond words. No parent should ever have to bury their child. No one should ever endure such heartbreak. That's why we're reaching out today, asking for your help.
'We're organising this fundraiser to support Sebastian's family — to help cover funeral expenses, psychological support, and daily costs that suddenly became overwhelming. Every donation, no matter the amount, is not just financial support — it's a message of compassion: 'We're with you'.'
And in a message to other parents it added: "Talk to your children about what they do online. 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."
West Yorkshire police said: "Police were called by ambulance colleagues to an address in Manor Grove, Castleford, at 6:06pm yesterday (27/6) 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."