Blue Whale Challenge

BLUE WHALE CHALLENGE- “THE ONLY WAY TO WIN IS TO DIE”

An internet game that exists in several countries. It consists of tracks allotted by the administrator and the final stage includes the suicide challenge. It is a 50 day challenge which originated from Russia. The game concept is broader among teenagers as it gained more media attention. There has been no confirmation for existence of this game. The game involves secret tasks, stabbing up the needle, watching videos, urging players to cut their hand in shape of a whale and so on. Players are required to send the pictures to their group administrators as a sign of proof. Kids cannot stop playing once they have started as they get bullied and black mailed by the admins who are the older teens.

The game gained much attention in India when a teenager jumped from the seventh floor in Mumbai. Though the investigation branch were unable to collect any credible proof to connect that death with playing of that deadly game. However Mumbai’s chief minister Mr. Fadnavis publicly claimed that the killer game is the root cause of this tragedy. Even a boy from Indore was saved by the group of people before he could commit suicide while playing this game. The boy kept recording his steps followed in the almanac. On the same day (10-8-17) a similar case gained the media attention which took place in Pune where a boy disappeared from his home and later the parents came to know about the fact that he was playing the BLUE WHALE CHALLENGE.

WHY ARE TEENAGERS DRAWN TO SUCH GAME?

Teenagers involve in such games as they make them feel a part of something. The peer pressure is the second most important reason for teenagers being addicted to this game. Teenagers with low self-esteem and self-confidence may join on peer approval. The external atmosphere becomes the source of inspiration for them. The developers of such games are aware of the mindset and scenario of a teenager’s mind. Nowadays teenagers lack confidence and are unhappy and directionless. It is easy for them to target the age group of 10-16.

HOW CAN IT BE CONTROLLED?

Parents, peers and school authorities play an integral part in the lives of the teenagers. Parents need to keep a strict eye on their kids, check out their daily routine.

Role of school authorities– The school management must organize awareness programs for children to make them alert about such dangerous games prevailing in the environment.

IF TEENAGERS ARE LONELY AND DEPRESSED PARENTS AND SCHOOL MUST TAKE SERIOUS ACTION TO DIVERT THEIR MIND AND GET THEN EVOLVED IN THE SOCIAL WORLD.

Parents must provide emotional, psychological and non –judgmental support to their kids for a better well-being.

STEPS TAKEN BY GOVERNEMNT

Local authorities of Kerala have issued an advisory note in public asking people not to play the BLUE WHALE CHALLENGE. Pinarayi Vijayan (CM of Kerala) and his government has decided to appeal to the Prime minister of India (Narender Modi) to ban the game. The government is closely monitoring the ones who have downloaded the game. According to a recent report 2000 downloads of the game have been registered in Kerala.