Blue Whale suicide game targets teens: How parents, schools can help

Two teen suicides in Kerala bring the deadly Blue Whale Challenge game under spotlight. Though the Kerala Police hasn’t confirmed the deaths are linked to the game, it cannot be completely denied owing to the revelations made by one of the boy's mother. 

From a 14-year-old in Mumbai to Class 10 student in Bengal, the incidents of teen suicides over the deadly Blue Whale Game have been increasing. And, it is worrisome.  The incidents are giving rise to many anxious questions. What is this deadly game and why would someone build it? Is it an app? How to know my child is playing the game? How to stop kids from playing it? Why isn't the game banned if it is that harmful?

The Ministry of Electronics and IT had asked social sites, Google, Yahoo and others to ban the game. However, even after the ban, it is said to be lurking in other forms and comes disguised as A Silent House, A Sea of Whales and Wake Me Up at 4:20 AM, among others possibly. That calls for better measures to handle this online menace. Before we get to that, let’s understand what this Blue whale game is. 

Blue Whale Challenge is a game that mostly targets 14 to 18 year olds. The game was developed by a Russian developer in the form of an app. But, the app has been removed from stores, and the 22-year-old developer is behind the bars. But, that hasn't stopped the game from entering other regions. 

The game essentially is all about so-called 'bravado', if we may say so. Series of challenges are thrown at the player for over 50 days, and after one challenge is completed, they have to move on to the other. The photo circulating online showing a Blue Whale carved on one's hand, waking up at weird timing, watching horror movies are believed to be some of the challenges. But, the ultimate challenge is to kill oneself.

According to this report, the gamers attract children via social media groups. They then try to figure out who is most affected by psychological manipulation. Many leave the game as challenges get difficult, but there are always some who stay back and go right till the end. 
While banning the game still doesn't guarantee that it won't come back in another form, there is a bigger role here that schools and parents can play to curb it. 

According to Dr Manoj Kumar of National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, “There is the need for awareness among children and parents about these type of harmful games. And, awareness will come only with good communication between parents and children as well as school authorities and children, which would also mean talking about other lifestyle issues. “

Talking about the game itself, “Children involving in such games could be due to peer pressure or curiosity. It also depends upon the psychological variables. Some children are dependent, some are extrovert, and according to the personality types, the outcomes vary," Dr Sharma tells us. This also explains why last-minute counselling helps some, while it may not help others. 

Schools should take on the agenda of teaching students in the form of lectures and communication that should help build resonance when it comes to tackling extreme situations. This will help children to say 'no' to such games and likewise," he explained. 

Now, this doesn't mean parents and school should be judgemental about everything seen online. However, there should be open and good communication over what's happeneing and a check on their mental health and behaviour.  On the other hand, it is important to explain teens about the dangers too. 

He also explains how the euphoria from physical activities is slowly shifting to online activities. So, it is important for schools as well as family to promote other physical activities. 

Another important aspect for children, according to Dr Sharma, is cyber counselling. They need to be taught about cyber crimes and its effects, how not to reveal private details online including email ids, address and family bank details, stay away from scams and so on.