Neknominating: why it's here and how to end it

This attitude of endorsement can be dangerous. Teenagers will often take accepted behaviours further than their parents might expect, in part because they feel invulnerable. Neknomination offers them the chance to do that, with the applause of peers far and wide.

Parents can also play a very proactive role in shaping attitudes to the online experience. Social media makes the sharing of ideas so much easier, but some of those ideas will be harmful.

None of us can watch over our kids every moment of the day, or constantly look over their shoulders as they engage with mobile technology. We can, however, ensure that they don't have easy access to gadgets until they're old enough to use them responsibly.

If necessary, we can "interfere" in their digital space, demanding to know where they're spending time online. Parents who refuse to take this risk are essentially teaching their children that rights come without attached responsibilities and autonomy is possible without accountability.

Above all, we can teach teenagers how to ask the right questions about what they're being asked to think and do. We can arm them with enough wisdom to make their own healthy choices.