Goa police have sounded strong words of caution to parents over the Blue Whale Challenge, the horrific 50-day internet suicide game which has posed a threat to the mental health and physical safety of youngsters in India. The game has been blamed for the deaths of three teenagers in India so far with the police authorities across the country suspecting that close to 600 youngsters are presently hooked on to this monster.
Last week, the Government of India asked Google and Facebook to ban the online game in India.
Taking cognizance of this rising threat to young lives, Goa Police on Thursday issues a strongly worded advisory to all parents about the Blue Whale Challenge and how to protect their child from falling prey to it.
Police have urged Goan parents to set in place parental control software. The advisory states that parental control allow the parent to see all keyboard strokes made on their child's device. If the kid gets a challenge to do something harmful, they are likely to Google how to do it allowing the parent to prevent unfortunate events.
"Monitor your kid's search history and get useful insights. They will help you see their state of mind," the advisory reads.
Cops have also urged parents to view their child's text messages, call logs, search history, communication via Facebook, Snapchat, WhatsApp, Instagram and to try to limit app usage and block sites promoting reckless activities.
It has been pointed out that children, who have entered or wish to participate in the Blue Whale Challenge, tend to be suffering from depression or have had suicidal thoughts. "Recognize any changes in your kid's behaviour that may point out depression or any other mental problem," the advisory has asked of parents.
The 'game' which raised its ugly head in Russia in 2013 was created by Philipp Budeikin, who is presently languishing in prison. He has confessed to direct involvement in 17 suicides of over 100 deaths reported across the world owing to the Blue Whale Challenge. The concept is believed to be based on the notion that Blue Whales beach themselves when they are fed up of living.
The game encourages youngsters, who are already in a mentally vulnerable state, to harm themselves through 50 challenges set over 50 days. Each challenge is more dangerous than the last and to win the Blue Whale Challenge, the 'player' has to end their life.
Scarily enough, there is no app or specific exe. file and the game is played online on social media. Specific hashtags such as #CuratorFindMe and #BlueaWhaleChallenge are used by those who want to play and curators find them using it. Upon gaining the trust of the 'player', the curator begins to assign tasks. The first few tasks include watching horror movies, not talking to anyone, taking long walks alone, visiting cemeteries, listening to certain songs and these are usually to be performed late at night. Fresh tasks are issues at 4.20 am after the curator receives authentic photo proof from the player confirming completion of previous task.
The tasks higher-up in the ladder can include self-harm, carving images onto one's skin and scouting for spots to end their lives.
When kids accept the game, the 'curator' accesses their personal information. In case children want to quit the challenge earlier, the administrator threatens to expose their information or to harm their family.
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LOOK OUT FOR SYMPTOMS
• Withdrawal from friends and family
• Persistent low mood and unhappiness
• Tearfulness and irritability
• Worries that stop them from carrying out day to day tasks
• Sudden outbursts of anger directed at themselves or others
• Loss of interest in activities that they used to enjoy
• Problems eating or sleeping
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TALK TO TO YOUR KID
* Ask if they have heard about this at school
* If you hear this game is being spread at your child's school, ring alarm bells
* Raise awareness among other parents and teachers
