Experts have issued a warning to parents over the Blue Whale’s ‘suicide challenge’, after it was linked to the death of the Briton who was stabbed to death in Portugal.
The game is believed to have originated in Russia in 2016 and is linked to numerous deaths around the world.
The game is believed to encourage teenagers to participate in 50 tasks over 50 days that culminate in suicide, with other tasks ranging from watching horror films to waking up at strange hours, and possibly self-harm.
Speaking to MailOnline, Dr Mark Griffiths, A professor of behavioral addiction at Nottingham Trent University has urged parents to be aware of their children’s mood swings.
He said: “IIf gambling really exists, those who control it prey on impressionable young individuals (i.e. young adolescents), especially those who are depressed and socially withdrawn.
Carolyn Bunting MBE, co-CEO of Internet Matters, an online safety not-for-profit organisation, also told MailOnline: ‘No matter how digitally savvy you think your children are, they can still be vulnerable , often lacking critical thinking and emotional maturity. to combat harmful content that may be available online.
A 35-year-old British man was stabbed to death in a forest in Portugal while playing suicide game Blue Whale, it has been claimed. Pictured: Police officers prepare to lift the victim’s body, which was placed in a gray box, into a waiting vehicle.
The game is strongly linked to the name of Jonathan Galindo, a man who can also be seen with his face painted like Mickey Mouse or a dog.
The victim, who has not been named, was allegedly attacked after an argument broke out between a group of friends while they were playing the notorious suicide game, an online challenge linked to a series of deaths in the world.
The 35-year-old victim from last week, whose identity has not been revealed, was allegedly attacked after an argument broke out between a group of friends while they were playing the notorious game. A 26-year-old man turned himself in to Portuguese authorities and allegedly confessed to the crime during the Blue Whale match.
Dr Griffiths added: “Parents should be alert to any changes in their child’s behavior, for example if they become withdrawn, uncommunicative, leave the house at unusual times and/or get up very early all the time , taking selfies in dangerous places, etc. a growing interest in self-harming behaviors (e.g., viewing self-harm sites) and a fear of social media.
“However, these signs may indicate many other things and have nothing to do with the Blue Whale Challenge.
“As a responsible parent, you have every right to check what your child is doing on the Internet and on their smartphone.
“You can also look for blue whale designs on bedroom walls or on arms and legs.”
The advice was backed by Benjamin Williams, project manager at youth charity Kicsters, who urged parents to be more aware of the dangers their children face online.
He told MailOnline: “Young people are exposed to a number of risks online and the content they access may initially seem innocent. This is the case with online games such as “The Blue Whale Game”, which begin with a series of non-harmful content. or offensive challenges to attract young people before entrusting them to riskier and more sinister tasks.
“We advise parents to take care to note any changes in behavior in their child and to contact educators, teachers, healthcare professionals, police, etc. if they have any concerns.”
The game is strongly linked to the name of Jonathan Galindo, a man who can also be seen with his face painted like Mickey Mouse or a dog.
The deadly Blue Whale “game” involves 50 tasks over as many days, aimed at “creating psychologically traumatic situations”, culminating in suicide.
Participants join a “group” where tasks are set by a group “administrator” and can range from watching horror movies to waking up at strange times, and possibly self-harm.
On the 50th day, the manipulators behind this game born in Russia in 2015 allegedly ordered the participants, generally teenagers, to commit suicide.
The game, which is believed to have started in Russia, has caused numerous deaths around the world, notably in Ukraine, India and the United States.
Although the legitimacy of the game is debated, it is recognized by British authorities who have already published advisories on this trend in 2020.
Northants Police issued a warning on social media about the game and asked parents to be careful about what children access online.
Rocky Gyoury, (right) who lives on Spain’s Costa Blanca, used a needle to make three slashes on his right arm after Narrative threatened to kill his mother Victoria Mcleish, 45 (left) if he did not comply.
Rocky Gyoury received messages (right), then encouraged to cut his arm (left) with a needle
The force said: “We are aware of the circulation of a worrying challenge on social media called the ‘Blue Whale Challenge’ which encourages teenagers to take part in a series of 50 challenges which culminate in suicide.
“This challenge first appeared in 2016 and tasks are given online or via text messages, instant messages or posts on Instagram and Twitter.
“Please talk to your children about the dangers and tell them not to open messages or challenges like this.”
Northants Police are warning parents to be careful of children who receive messages or messages relating to Jonathan Galindo, a man who can also be seen with his face painted like Mickey Mouse or a dog.
And also receive or make references to #f57, #f40 or #IMawhale.
Earlier that year, an 11-year-old British schoolboy was blackmailed into cutting his wrists by an anonymous Instagram user after an apparent resurgence of the sinister game.
Rocky Gyoury, who lives on the Costa Blanca in Spain, used a needle to make three slashes on his right arm after the account threatened to kill his mother Victoria Mcleish, 45, if he did not obey.
The user – who only called himself Johnothan – revealed details about Rocky’s age, school, address, mother’s name, phone model and data such as his IP address before asking him to “play a game”.
For confidential support, call the Samaritans on 116123 or visit a local Samaritans branch, see www.samaritans.org for more details.
For confidential support in Australia, call Lifeline: 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636.
