The police in the Odesa region warn: train surfing or tagging is not heroism, it’s a dangerous game.

Thanks to social media, this activity is becoming «trendy» among teens. Young people chase after adrenaline without realizing the risks involved.

«This isn’t bravery, it’s a dangerous game with death,» emphasizes the head of juvenile prevention at the Odesa police, Victoria Chalova.

This year, there have already been three tragic incidents in the Odesa region: in the regional center, Odesa, and Podilsk districts, teenagers have died or suffered severe burns after climbing onto stationary train cars. Police Major Victoria Chalova stresses that even stationary objects in the railway infrastructure pose fatal risks due to high voltage. Electricity can strike not only on contact; sometimes, it’s enough just to approach dangerously close.

The police work daily to prevent such tragedies. They inform children in schools, conduct patrols at train stations, collaborate with the Odesa Railway, and monitor social media to timely halt dangerous content.

«Kids often imitate what they see on social media. They don’t realize that a few thousand likes aren’t worth the consequences – severe burns, loss of health, or even life,» warns Odesa regional juvenile police chief Victoria Chalova.

According to her, the motivation for such actions stems not only from a desire to stand out but also from peer pressure: if train surfing is seen as courageous in a group, a child tries to meet those expectations.

The police officer also reminds us that the responsibility for such actions doesn’t rest solely with the teenagers. If the offender is under 16, the parents will be held accountable. And not just administratively; in case of serious consequences, criminal liability may also apply.

«A child’s safety starts at home – with trust, explanations, and supervision. Parents need to know who their child is communicating with, what they’re watching online, what they dream about, and where they spend their free time. And I would like to emphasize: according to current legislation, children under 16 cannot be in public places without adult supervision from 10 PM to 6 AM. These simple rules can save lives,» concluded Victoria Chalova.