Teen Dangers: Police Warn Against Train Surfing
The police in Odessa are raising awareness: train surfing is not a heroic act but a dangerous game.
Thanks to social media, this trend is becoming increasingly popular among teenagers. They pursue thrills without realizing the risks involved.
"This is not bravery; it is a deadly game," emphasizes Victoria Chalova, head of juvenile prevention at the regional police.
This year alone, there have been several tragic incidents in Odessa where teenagers have died or suffered severe burns after climbing onto stationary train cars. Officer Victoria Chalova highlights that even stationary objects in the railway infrastructure pose a deadly risk due to high voltage. Electric shocks can occur not only with direct contact but also from being near a dangerous distance.
Police are actively working to prevent such tragedies. They conduct educational programs in schools, perform raids at train stations, collaborate with the Odessa railway staff, and monitor social media to intercept dangerous content.
"Children often mimic what they see online. They don’t realize that a few thousand likes are not worth the consequences – severe burns, loss of health, or even life," warns Victoria Chalova.
According to her, the motivations for such actions stem not only from the desire to stand out but also from peer pressure: if train surfing is considered brave among friends, a child feels compelled to meet those expectations.
Chalova also reminds that responsibility for such actions does not fall solely on the teenagers. If the offender is under 16, the parents may be held accountable. This could involve not just administrative penalties but also criminal liability in the case of severe consequences.
"A child's safety begins at home – with trust, explanations, and supervision. Parents must know who their child communicates with, what they watch online, what they dream about, and where they spend their free time. And it is important to note that according to current legislation, children under 16 are not allowed in public places without adult supervision from 10 PM to 6 AM. These simple rules can save lives," concluded Victoria Chalova.
