Sick ‘Blue Whale’ internet game linked to a number of teen suicides
The Internet can be a dangerous place for teens, and a series of devastating teen suicides have proven why.
UK police have warned parents to be aware of a social media "game" which has been linked to the death of three teenagers in Russia.
The "Blue Whale game" calls on participants to complete a dangerous self-harm challenge every day for 50 days before they are encouraged to commit suicide.
If you're reading this I warn you!! Please do NOT try the Blue Whale Challenge!!! This is a suicide game consisting of 50 days of self harm
— Ana! The Potatø (@minegladiators) March 11, 2017
After the suspicious deaths of three young teens, the terrifying "game" has been called into question by the authorities.
Two schoolgirls, Yulia Konstantinova aged 15 and her friend Veronika Volkova 16, fell to their deaths from a 14-storey block of flats, another, aged 15, fell from a fifth floor flat, while a 14-year-old girl died after being hit by a train.
Pic: Facebook
Yulia 15, left a note on social media saying "end" shortly after posting a picture with a blue whale while Veronika, 16, wrote "Sense is lost… End," before she took her own life.
UK police have been issuing warnings about "Blue Whale" on Twitter.
Similar warnings have been issued in Belgium, France and throughout Europe, according to The Mirror.
According to Russian media, the rules range from watching a scary movie to avoiding conversation for an entire day, and much more disturbing tasks are also included.
What?!
Who ever created this horrible game is sick!
Parents: Please be aware of this "game" talk to your children about it if concerned https://t.co/B2j9aS5UdT— PCSO Kirsty Down D&C (@SaltashPCSO) March 9, 2017
Other rules of the game include cutting symbols into the arms, climbing cranes, and standing on the ledges of building roofs, according to a Reddit list.
To "win" the game, teens are encouraged to kill themselves.
— PCSO Will Heather (@PCSOWillHeather) March 9, 2017
The name "blue whale" refers to the phenomenon of blue whales washing up on the beach.
Police in Russia are currently investigating the suspicious deaths.
We sincerely hope that whoever is orchestrating this sick game is caught and punished severely.