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This note comes from Mistlift, a plain-language guide for parents and educators to what kids are into online.

A note for families: The Backrooms

Connect Ages 10-15 Last checked October 18, 2026

What it is

The Backrooms is a popular internet horror fiction about endless empty, eerie rooms, told through videos, games and Roblox worlds; it is made-up and mostly harmless, though it can scare younger kids.

How much it matters

Harmless. A way into your kid’s world, and something to enjoy together.

Should you worry?

The Backrooms is fiction, and nothing in it is a real place or a real danger. The one thing to watch is fear: younger or more anxious kids may have trouble sleeping, avoid being alone in dark rooms, or keep coming back to content that scares them. Watch for nightmares, bedtime worries or a child who seems jumpy after screen time. Talk about how it's made, with actors, editing and sound effects, and agree together on a cutoff for scary content before bed. Dramatic titles like "I almost died" are just clickbait, not real events.

What to say

“I keep hearing about the Backrooms. Can you show me what it is? I'm curious what makes it creepy. And if something ever stays in your head at night, you can tell me, and nobody's in trouble.”

If you’re worried

If your child's fears are lasting, they are sleeping badly or avoiding normal activities, talk with your family doctor or a school counsellor. Crisis Text Line is there for young people by texting HOME to 741741. If anyone is in danger or talking about self-harm, call 911 or 988.

Sources

Read the full card, and share it, at mistlift.app/cards/backrooms