(Undated) — Police are warning parents about what they say is a new, risky social media challenge.

The 48-Hour Challenge encourages teenagers to stage disappearances for up to two days. As mentions of their disappearance spread on social media, they rack up points. Authorities say the challenge can distract law enforcement agencies from helping people who actually are in trouble.  Police and sheriff’s departments are asking parents to explain to their children why reporting fake disappearances is a dangerous thing to do.