A teen boy comes across the online game, The Blue Whale. He is given one challenge after the other. He accomplishes every task and keeps on moving to the subsequent levels. The final and concluding challenge asks him to commit suicide. He clicks himself on top of a building and jumps. If police speculations are to be believed, this is what led to the death of the 14-year-old Mumbai boy four days ago. This is the first death in India, which is being linked to the infamous Blue Whale game.
The standard 9 boy had allegedly discussed the game with his friends, telling them about the final stage. They thought he was joking when he told them he won't be coming to the school anymore. The game is believed to have rocked many teen lives in Russia and even in the UK.
Parents, beware
The teenage brain can be complex and confusing. Neuroscientist and author Dr Frances Jensen writes in her book 'The Teenage Brain: A Neuroscientist's Survival Guide to Raising Adolescents and Young Adults', teenage brain has 80 per cent structure and function of the adult brain. She compared teenage brain to a driver who can drive a car but does not yet know how to use the brakes to stop it.
Dr Seema shares, "Many teens come to me complaining about loneliness. They complain their parents are too busy for them and they have no friends. I recently had a 16-year-old come to me complaining he doesn't want to live because no one likes him. These are the same kids who are searching 'painless deaths' on Google. They go to suicide forums. This makes it extremely crucial for the parents to pay attention to their kids."
What parents can do
Online is a medium frequented by teens and anonymity increases the chances of experimentation. Moreover, it is easy access without supervision that makes it dangerous and alluring at the same time.
Dr Seema shares:
Parents need to keep talking to the kids. Take interest in your child's activities.
Give them space to share their feelings without negating them.
Never reprimand your teen for whining, crying or staying aloof. Try to find out the reason behind unnatural behavior. For example, a disturbed stomach could be a sign of anxiety.
Talk to your child for 20 minutes every day without interrupting them. This will help you read trouble signs - are they being bullied, body shamed or going through academic decline?