To receive daily emails from Breaking Christian News to your inbox CLICK HERE


SHARE THIS ARTICLE Printer friendly version of this page

What Parents Need to Know about the "Blue Whale" Suicide Challenge

Bri Lamm : May 23, 2017  Faithit.com

The 'challenges' start with fear-inducing tasks like watching horror films all day long, or waking up in the middle of the night; but quickly escalate to tasks of self-harm, or the harming of others. Eventually, the final task on the 50th day is suicide—ending the game and their lives.

[Faithit.com] With all the ways technology can shape our kids' lives these days, it can be hard to keep up with the latest trends, verbiage and "hip" new thing. (Screengrab via Twitter/via Faithit.com)

But school districts across the country are warning parents of a new "game" that could actually leave kids dead.

The "Blue Whale Challenge," also called the "Blue Whale game," and "F57," is a "game" that investigators believe to have started in Russia, and has been the cause of multiple teen deaths by suicide.

It challenges players—teens and tweens—to tag each other on social media (primarily Snapchat). Once tagged, they're in the game.
The group behind the challenge gives teens a new task each day for 50 days.

Participants download the app, which essentially hacks their personal information, and cannot be deleted.

Challenges start with fear-inducing tasks like watching horror films all day long, or waking up in the middle of the night; but quickly escalate to tasks of self-harm, or the harming of others. Eventually, the final task on the 50th day is suicide—ending the game and their lives.

Kids are told via the challenge that "the best things in life start with the letter 's'—semiya (which means family), Saturday, sex and suicide."

Because the game is "played" through social media, much of the communication takes place through such platforms. Many of the tasks are documented with posts like, "This world is not for us," or "We are the children of the dead generation."

The elusive game has made it difficult for investigators to determine whether or not it is solely responsible for the spike in suicide attempts and deaths in Russia. It is also unclear whether or not the game has begun imprinting on children in the U.S. but it is rumored to have been introduced to students in two Alabama high schools.

There has been speculation that the game started out as a "complete hoax" in an effort to shut down social media networks in Russia, according to the Cyberbullying Research Center. But according to Yahoo News, "Even if 'Blue Whale' is a hoax, experts say it shines a light on how social media can push vulnerable teens to do dangerous things in order to feel included," as it is reminiscent of other risky trends like the duct-tape challenge and the 'choking game.' (Screengrab via Palm Beach Post)

Instagram recently placed a warning page in place that users are redirected to when searching phrases that are commonly associated to the game.

It can feel impossible to keep up with the ever-changing teen crazes, but as parents, this is something we cannot ignore. Talk to your kids today about this challenge, and be proactive about staying in the loop. We don't have to violate our kids' privacy to know what's going on among their peers. We have to be educated on what they're facing, and we can't be afraid to have the tough conversations—because our kids and their lives are worth it.







SHARE THIS ARTICLE Printer friendly version of this page

To receive daily emails from Breaking Christian News to your inbox CLICK HERE

Other Recent Articles from Breaking Christian News

Illegals Using Fake Skimmers at Self-Checkouts to Drain Consumers' Bank Accounts; Here's How to Guard Yourself

Elon Musk to Pay Embattled Doctor's Legal Fees after Speaking Out against COVID Lockdowns

Safety of Women Hangs in Balance after Oral Arguments on Abortion Pill Regulation

New Federal Gun Grab Law Would Criminalize Shooting Ranges, and Even Private Security

Treasury Sec. Yellen: Biden Has NO Plan to Save Social Security

Maryland Governor Says 'Keep on Praying' for Families of Missing Workers after Baltimore Bridge Collapse

Chick-fil-A Abandons Long-Held 'No Antibiotics' Pledge on Chicken

The War in Myanmar: Karenni Resistance Fighters Ask for Prayer and Practical Help

The World Is Facing a Major Population Crisis by 2075 If Birth Rates Keep Falling

FDA Admits COVID Vaccines Cause Seizures in Toddlers

'Hamas Is Celebrating' after US Abstains from UN Security Council Ceasefire Vote: Netanyahu Cancels Visit

Kamala Harris Won't Disclose Why Biden Campaign Is Active on TikTok Despite Security Worries

Special Counsel Report Reveals University of Delaware Misled Courts to Hide Biden's Senate Records That Likely Hold Sexual Assault Complaint Filed by Tara Reade

'Unthinkable Tragedy': Baltimore Bridge Collapses after Being Struck by Cargo Ship

Jews, Christians Celebrate Purim, Palm Sunday as Israel Fights for Victory over Hamas

Dan Bongino Emotionally Recounts Supernatural Experience the Morning His Mom Died: 'I've Never Believed More in the Power of Jesus'

Married People More Likely to Be 'Thriving': Gallup Survey

Planet Fitness Is Having a 'Bud Light' Moment

The Shocking Untold History of the Man Who Designed the 'Transgender Flag'

Moscow Concert Massacre: US Border Chief Very Concerned a Similar Attack Could Happen Here



Search the Articles Archives

Keyword:  
Author:  
Words Posted On:  
Day Month Year



BCN Plus

Follow BCN on Twitter
Are You Praying for Our Government Leaders?
BCN Staff

Steve Shultz
Steve Shultz, Managing Editor
Founder and Owner


Aimee Herd
Aimee Herd, Editor


BCN Plus
Are You Praying for President Trump?
 
 

All articles on this site and emails from BCN are copyrighted property of Breaking Christian News. Permission is given to link to, or share a BCN story if proper attribution is given to both the original writer and summarizer of the story. Breaking Christian News 2005-2019. All Rights Reserved.


Breaking Christian News is a division of Elijah List Publications, Inc. All Rights Reserved


Disclaimer: Articles and links, as well as the source articles linked to; do not necessarily reflect the opinion of Breaking Christian News.

editor@breakingchristiannews.com