As per the BBC article, there are psychological underpinnings that explain why children might not find such pranks funny:

1. Understanding Prank Humor: Young children often struggle to grasp humor that involves “pranking” an unsuspecting individual. While adults or older children can quickly discern and laugh at the setup, young children might not comprehend the humor’s intent.
2. The Fine Line: Experts highlight that there’s a thin boundary between pranking and bullying, especially when the joke’s victim is less empowered than the one executing the prank. As the common rule in comedy goes, it’s always better to “punch up, not kick down.” Given the inherent power dynamics, when an adult pranks a child, it always feels like a “kick down.”
3. Theory of Mind: A significant cognitive development, the ‘Theory of Mind’, allows individuals to attribute mental states, feelings, and expectations to others. This usually develops between 3.5 and 4.5 years of age. Therefore, even if a child recognizes incongruity or an object’s representation (like their head being treated as a bowl in the egg-crack challenge), they might not fully grasp the underlying joke.
4. Trust Violation: The trust between a child and their caregiver is paramount. When pranks like the egg-crack challenge occur, they might inadvertently violate that trust, leading to potential long-term implications. As the caregiver prioritizes online validation (likes, views, etc.), the child’s emotional well-being might be overlooked.

In essence, while humor is subjective and varies across age groups, it’s crucial to gauge a child’s understanding and emotional response to a joke or prank. As we create content or indulge in viral trends, it’s essential to ensure that it’s not at the expense of a child’s emotional well-being.