Throughout the ages, we might have come across umpteen series of games, see people getting addicted to the internet games like clash of clans, candy crush, temple run, GTA and the list is on. Beating it all, currently a deadly mysterious game which shook the world with its phenomenally terrifying rules, A PSYCHOLOGICAL THRILLER GAME. Yes, I’m talking about the sensational atrocity on internet “THE BLUE WHALE SUICIDE GAME”; which is eating 100s of kids and teens’ life. It has created a buzz among kids from the age 10 to the teens of age 22 who should be matured enough to know what is right/wrong and good/bad are committing this blunder!
NAH!! I’m not here to ONLY talk about the history behind this horrifying game or a person behind this, whether it is a hoax or real, or about the 50 shades of blue whale challenge. This game is a slow poison, damaging the individuals physically, emotionally and mentally. It’s so convincing about the bad thought, brain washing the gamers just like how the terrorists and suicide bombers are made.
The creator certainly having an irrational belief and cognitive distortions wants to wash away the dust from the world, who wants to die and not fit to live under the blue skies. It is said that there were groups/ forums in the social media as “death groups” and people who want to die joined that group. And that it is associated with the blue whale game.
Starting from Russia, Argentina, Brazil, Bulgaria, China, Columbia (and more); now this threat is spreading in India. And already 4+ deaths in a month, many more without our knowledge. Few students were being rescued from committing suicide in Maharashtra while many being caught playing the game. Kids and teens have got that audacity to still play this challenge in spite of hearing the death news all over.
At first, the tasks seem easy but as the game progresses, they are increasingly dreadful. The challenges tell them to wake up at 4.20 AM, watch horror movies, click selfies and make videos for proof by standing on roof with legs drooping and send to the curators, cut the lips, self-mutilating by drawing a whale in hand, poking their hand with the needle, listen to provoking words which makes them feel worthless, visit the cemeteries in the night and what not. The seriousness is extending and the game ends with the gamer committing suicide. And there have been no shreds of evidence for the dead that they have played this game, reports said. This story would remind many of us on a movie plot of Table no. 21, a 2013 moderate success film.
These are an alert, a BANG for THE PARENTS TO WAKE UP and look at their child; have a check on their social media channels, their updates and posts, check their browsing history, stand on their shoulders to see to whom they talk to, what they do; have a cyber control. Never encourage them to talk to any strangers. Check on their unusual behaviors, are they panicking? Lonely? Helpless? Are they talking about deaths to their friends? Pain? People who play such games or accept such deadly challenges may be somewhere holding inferiority in a social world, or to prove their gut level to the self and their peer groups they get into it. People with anxious personality are more vulnerable to such factors and are easily manipulated and emotionally driven. They sometimes show themselves as strong individuals to show off.
There are personalities who are daring enough, highly adventurous and risk taking attitude, impulsive, with low frustration tolerance, having an addictive behavior. The saved individuals may get affected by PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder) and any sort of emotional disorders.
The viral Blue whale is still going to extend and come in different names and forms of games and the destruction is going to be huge if the steps are not taken or a proper guidance is given. The craze should come to an end and the victim’s support system should stand strong as life savers
Parents should be empowered to understand and manage the child’s behavior. It’s the parents’ role to not let their child feel down. Parenting is more a serious responsibility, huge task, indeed not a pleasant phase. More than being a parent, becoming their friend by forwarding a hand would help them trust you and feel secured. They don’t have to go in search for a better company than yours. But it does not mean to ignore their mistakes; instead of punishing make them understand the consequences of that behavior. Raise them with constructive thoughts, treat every child equally without biasing, say you trust them, and tell them they matter. Respecting their feelings would make them feel respected, wanted and worthful. Doing this, they’ll never have to search for someone to share their emotions except you. Motivating and rewarding them would increase their esteem and self confidence. There are loopholes in the society which cannot be washed away completely, instead protect your child from the bad happenings. (Good parenting)
To all the kids and teens, you are the blooming buds of your family. People are dreaming for your success. It’s better to not ruin your blessed life in these badass games. There’s so much to do; play outdoor activities, surf for a good stuff on the internet, play productive games, talk to people, share your feelings and emotions to a living being than trusting some masked person. If things are not right, do not feel de-motivated, they are going to be fine in a while. Nothing is permanent in this world except the change. No one is perfect; it is absolutely ok to not be perfect.
To the parents, teach your children to be assertive, to accept the failures or loss, avoiding mobile phones below the age 15 is encouraged. If your child is under the danger, immediately seek help and get them for consultation. Ahana Hospitals offers best care and treatment for the people with emotional and behavioral problems. For assistance Contact us or Call us at 1800-3000-2233
You matter!! Your life matters!!