What is the Charlie Charlie challenge?

From the latest boyband to that new haircut they just have to have, we're used to sudden trends sweeping through our teenager's world - but the latest teen craze, the Charlie Charlie challenge, is a little more sinister than most...

What is the Charlie Charlie challenge?

The Charlie Charlie challenge is a craze currently circulating around social networking site Twitter. Inspired by the Ouija boards that our parents warned us against using, it involves using a pencil and paper grid to summon a Mexican 'demon' named Charlie.

To take the challenge, kids are laying two pencils in a cross shape, then writing yes/no in alternative corners. They then chant 'Charlie, Charlie, are you here?' - and if the pencil moves to the 'yes' corner, it means that Charlie is present and can answer their questions.

Is it dangerous?

On a surface level, the Charlie Charlie challenge seems relatively harmless, with many teens attempting to use it to 'find out' information about their favourite bands, or make funny pictures to share online:

Image: Twitter/The Telegraph

Image: Twitter/Zaynbaabe

However, some accounts are circulating rumours that the challenge might have supernatural consequences...

Image: Twitter/TypicalGirl

Religious groups in particular are opposed to the challenge - Father Stephen McCarthy reportedly issued an open letter to students at a well-known Catholic school in America warning them that 'demons' are not to be meddled with.

'There is a dangerous game going around on social media which openly encourages impressionable young people to summon demons.'

'I want to remind you all there is no such thing as "innocently playing with demons".'

'Please be sure to NOT participate and and encourage others to avoid participation as well,' the letter read.

Should you be worried?

Your level of concern is therefore likely to depend on how superstitious you and your family are. There are no reports of any direct harm coming to participants as part of the challenge, and many parents believe it is no different to the ouija board and 'Bloody Mary' games of their youth, which they took part in without any negative consequences.

However, some parents are forbidding their children to play the game, on the grounds that they'd rather be safe than sorry!

What's your take on the Charlie Charlie challenge? Harmless fun, or not to be messed with? Leave us a comment below and let us know your thoughts!