The Odesa police warn: train surfing and similar activities are not acts of heroism, but rather dangerous games.

Thanks to social media, this risky activity is becoming increasingly popular among youth seeking thrills, often unaware of the dangers involved.

"This is not bravery; it is a dangerous game with death," asserts Victoria Chalova, head of the juvenile prevention department of the Odesa police.

This year alone, there have been several tragic incidents in the Odesa region where teenagers have died or suffered severe injuries while climbing on stationary railway cars. Police Major Victoria Chalova emphasizes that even stationary railway objects pose a lethal threat due to high voltage. Electrical shock can occur not just from contact but also from a dangerous proximity.

Officers are working daily to prevent such tragedies. They inform students in schools, conduct raids at train stations, collaborate with Odesa Railway staff, and monitor social media to catch dangerous content in time.

"Teens often mimic what they see on social media. They fail to realize that a few thousand likes are not worth the consequences – severe burns, health loss, or even death," warns Odesa's juvenile police chief, Victoria Chalova.

According to her, the motivations behind such reckless actions stem not only from a desire to stand out but also from peer pressure: if a group considers train surfing brave, a child will try to meet those expectations.

The police also remind us that parents share the responsibility for their children's actions, especially if the offender is under 16. They may face administrative and even criminal liability in the case of serious consequences.

"A child's safety starts at home – with trust, explanations, and supervision. Parents need to know who their child is communicating with, what they are watching online, what they dream about, and where they spend their free time. It's important to remember that, according to law, children under 16 are not allowed in public places from 10 PM to 6 AM without adult supervision. Simple rules can save lives," concluded Victoria Chalova.