TikTok trend fuels risky rise in teenage urban explorers

Urban exploration has surged on TikTok, with police and experts warning that children are increasingly entering dangerous abandoned sites to chase online attention.

Veteran explorers say the practice has shifted from documenting history to risky behaviour driven by short-form videos and influencer culture.

Authorities highlighted cases of under-18s filming inside abandoned asbestos factories, exposing themselves to serious long-term health risks.

Urbex has definitely grown among under-18s and much of it is now just children messing about.

Liam, a teenage urban explorer, said.

Property owners and emergency services warned that disturbing asbestos fibres can cause fatal illnesses even with minimal exposure.

Academics noted that many younger explorers lack safety knowledge and are motivated by the promise of viral fame.

For a lot of young kids it’s about likes and becoming an influencer rather than history or architecture.

Bradley Garrett said.

Long-time explorers also warned that increased exposure is leading to vandalism, fires and invasions of privacy in abandoned homes.

TikTok said its rules prohibit content that promotes dangerous or imitable activities, but several such videos remain accessible.