Deadly Game: Caribbean Countries on Alert Over Online Suicide Game – Caribbean360.com (subscription)

The Blue Whale challenge includes self-harrm.

CASTRIES, St Lucia, Friday April 7, 2017 Authorities in the Caribbean are keeping a close eye on a social media game that encourages players to commit suicide.

Dubbed the Blue Whale Challenge, the game encourages participants to undertake dangerous dares and self-harm, such as cutting the shape of a whale into their bodies, watching horror movies and waking up at unusual hours to listen to sad music.

The game consists of 50 challenges, performed one daily, which are intended to lead the players to jump from the roof of a building or to hang themselves on day 50 in order to win.

It is believed to have led to 130 suicides in six months in Russia, where it originated.

Martinique has already issued an alert to schools about the game.

Authorities there have sent a letter to school principals in the French Overseas Territories urging principals to outlaw the game in schools.

It also called on the school heads to be vigilant in regard to young people placed in their care, especially those who appear to be most vulnerable.

St Lucias Prime Minister Allan Chastanet has expressed alarm at the game, urging the region to keep the game at bay.

Noting that there were no barriers on the Internet, he stressed that students must develop a strong self-esteem to withstand the things that are happening around them.

In addition to Russia, other countries have reported teen suicides allegedly linked to the game.

Similar warnings about the Blue Whale Challenge have been issued in European countries where authorities have urged parents to be alert to sudden changes in the behaviour of their children, especially if they are frequent users of social media.

Meantime, counter-offensive challenges are appearing on social networks, such as the Pink Whale Challenge that encourages participants to realize 50 positive challenges, including watching their favourite movie, making friends or helping somebody.

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Deadly Game: Caribbean Countries on Alert Over Online Suicide Game - Caribbean360.com (subscription)