The Blue Whale Challenge ‘suicide’ Game Warning given by Police

A disturbing new internet game has emerged, where teenagers end up taking their own lives. UK police have issued statements warning parents and children about the Blue Whale Challenge.

Believed to have originated in Russia, police fear the challenge will spread to the UK.  The Blue Whale Challenge originates from the belief that blue whales voluntarily wash up on shore to die.

In the challenge, “masters” encourage teenagers to undergo a series of tasks over 50 days. Tasks set by the anonymous master include cutting a body part and avoiding conversation for an entire day.

On the final day, their final order is for their victim to take their own life.

Reports say that currently, 130 Russian teenage deaths have connections to the game.

Expectedly, the darkness of these challenges has elicited fears in the UK that the challenge could spread here. Therefore, police across the country have taken action.

Herefordshire Police issued a statement making clear how the challenge spreads, through the targeting of young and vulnerable people on social media.

The statement asked: “Parents to be vigilant and monitor their children’s internet usage.” Also, they encouraged young people to: “Block and ignore anything online that makes them feel upset, uncomfortable or threatened.”

In addition, the police have shared their knowledge of The Blue Whale Challenge with children’s services. They also released a joint statement to schools.

They have explained how police across Europe are warning parents and children of the sick challenge. The police also revealed their suspicions that the game has spread to London:

“Thames Valley Police have had three suicides recently that are believed linked to this and some London boroughs have identified youths who were within the 50 challenges.”

They also added:

“If a child is identified within these challenges please get advice immediately, contact the school, the police or Children’s Services.”

A school in Essex also handed letters to parents explaining the nature of the game.

They revealed its horrifying nature, saying: “On the 50th day the masters behind the game instruct the young people to commit suicide and sadly across the world some have done this.”

These statements highlight the huge threat of the game and its detrimental effect on youngsters.

Recent reports also reveal how Russian teenagers all suffered at the hands of the challenge. Two teenagers, aged 15 and 16 from Ust-Ilimsk took their own lives participating in the game.

Another 15-year-old from Krasnoyarsk also injured herself after attempting to take her own life.

Consequently, these tragedies in Russia have spurred action in Britain, France and Belgium. One can hope that this proactiveness can prevent further horror and grief for young people in Britain.

Parents, schools and children must remain alerted to the dangers of this challenge.