One of the most infamous games of the virtual world -- ‘Blue Whale Challenge’ – has begun sparking fear among the people of the State, especially after the recent case from East Singhbhum district where a 16-year-old allegedly committed suicide after accomplishing the challenges of the game, as per his parents claim. In the State Capital too school authorities and parents are apprehensive and are keeping an eye on their children’s social media activities.
After the dissemination of reports on teens committing suicide in the wake of completing the challenge, several guardians in Ranchi have either restricted the hours for their wards using any smart tool or else have completely banned the use of electronic devices.
“I never used to be so insecure about electronic devices that were handled by my kids. Even more, I may not be fully aware about the ‘Blue Whale Challenge’ game facts but after reading news reports, I have become cautious and have taken away the smart phone from my kids,” said, Dhiraj Sahay, a father of 17-year-old boy.
Similarly, after the increasing incidents of suicide, school authorities have become more observant about the activities of children that are strongly manipulated by the effect of social media these days.
“Here, besides convincing the children to differentiate between the right and wrong, primarily, we need to sensitize their parents and guardians to keep a tab on the activities of kids especially when they are involved with some ‘Smart Devices’ at home. During school hours, we do not allow any child to keep mobile phones, PC tablets etc,” said, CBSE State Coordinator and Principal of Guru Nanak School, Dr. Manohar lal.
Psychologists too have suggested parents to give simple mobile phones to their children rather than the pricey latest smart phones. Counseling of kids in distress under experts’ supervision is another way to keep them away from this vicious web.
“Children are curious, they want to try something challenging that gives them psychological gratification. The game that targets teens is working on psychological mechanism or not is a different matter. Children are opting for this challenge out of impulsiveness, to test their limit besides conquering their fear,” said, RINPAS Director, Dr. Shubash Soren.
“Moreover, the personality development issue is another guiding factor here. Children falling in the age group 12-19 cannot take rational decisions at times in difficult situations. Parental control on smart devices can restrain the deadly consequences to an extent,” added Soren.
Notably, the ‘Smart Gadgets’ have become a new best friend of all kids’ especially of those falling in the age group 12-19 years.