Three teenagers have recently died in Switzerland while train surfing, an activity involving illegally climbing on moving trains. This phenomenon has been amplified by social media and the pursuit of likes.
In Beinwil am See, Aargau, an 18-year-old youth was the victim of a fatal accident last week. According to police information, he climbed onto a train with another teenager and was electrocuted. In January, a 14-year-old and a 17-year-old also lost their lives in similar incidents.
Train surfing, often practiced by young men, involves climbing illegally on trains, subways, or trams. During the journey, these individuals hang between the wagons or go on the roof. They often film themselves risking their lives. However, these challenges often end fatally: train surfers fall off the train or are electrocuted.
A phenomenon that is not new
Train surfing has been known in the German-speaking world since the nineties. As early as 1988, the “Spiegel” reported on a “new hobby of reckless young people.” A review of court documents shows that in Berlin between 1989 and 1995, there were 41 train surfing accidents. However, this phenomenon is likely much older: according to the “Guardian,” newspapers in New York reported over a hundred years ago on subway surfer accidents. It was not always about adrenaline: in some cases, individuals were forced into train surfing because they could not afford a ticket.
Today, young people primarily seek recognition, explains Lulzana Musliu from the Pro Juventute Foundation for Children and Youth. “Adolescents are in a developmental phase: their ability to assess dangers is not yet mature. That is why such challenges often lead to very dangerous situations.” Young men, in particular, want to prove themselves and impress. Challenges are indeed part of identity construction, but in the face of such dangerous practices, prevention work is necessary.
Social networks amplify the need for recognition
On the internet, several injured “train surfers” have given interviews like the German Bruno, who strongly warns against this trend: “Don’t do it, it can really mess up your life.” Bruno fell between two cars while train surfing as a teenager and was seriously injured. Today, he is in a wheelchair and suffers from the consequences.
Lulzana Musliu explains that social networks act as an amplifier on teenagers. Unlike in the past, it is no longer just friends who watch, but potentially the whole world. Likes and views fuel the need for recognition. According to her, not only parents and schools should play a role in prevention, but also operators of social media platforms: “Attention to dangerous content like train surfing must be limited through algorithms.”
She also advises staying in dialogue with teenagers about social media content. Instead of restricting or prohibiting its use, it is recommended to show interest in order to address dangerous trends like train surfing. It may also be helpful for adolescents to receive recognition through other means.
Sources
– Raphaël Günther (SRF)
