Worried over the havoc the ‘Blue Whale Challenge’ has been creating among children and youth, the government on Tuesday issued an advisory to parents, teachers, internet users and the general public to keep a watch on children’s activities.
“Based on available information, it is clear that children in the 12-19 age group are most vulnerable to the Blue Whale Challenge and similar games,” an official release said. Parents and teachers have been urged to observe children and check for any unusual changes such as moodiness, poor communication, lack of interest in studies and falling grades.
If found, the children playing the game should be stopped from using the internet and the police should be informed. Psychological counselling through government hospitals/NGOs should also be provided to the children, the advisory said.
Limited or the absence of interaction with family and friends, indications of running away or conversations about death, changes in eating and sleeping habits could indicate that the children are into the challenge, the advisory said.
‘Illegal act’
“It is also informed to the general public and internet users to refrain from forwarding any online links related to this game and any such act is illegal and will be punished as per the law,” the official release said.
A class IX student of Nadayanur Aranganathanpettai near Karur has managed to come out of the Blue Whale Challenge after a few initial steps and was given counselling by child protection officials on Monday.
According to sources, the student had played the game up to second level. The boyshared his experience with his schoolmates, who reported it to the headmaster.
