Blue Whale challenge: Chennai Police issues advisory for parents

The Chennai police on Monday came up with an advisory, particularly for parents of young children, on the Blue Whale online game, which targets children and encourages them to harm themselves.

Police said the internet game "instructs its participants, mostly teenagers, to carry out 50 dangerous tasks, the final challenge being committing suicide."

As per the guidelines, the cops have advised parents to use 'parental control' software to keep an eye on the online activities of their children.

Unusual injuries in the body could be a sign of concern as they may be involved in such games.

Parents have also been asked to monitor their children's activities on various social media platforms including WhatsApp, Facebook, Snapchat and limit apps usage and block sites promoting dangerous activities.

It also asked the parents to recognise any behavioural changes in their children as they might develop suicidal thoughts particularly those who have taken up the challenge.

The police advisory also asked parents to spend more time with their wards and encourage them to participate in outdoor games.

The fatal online Blue Whale game has claimed its first victim in Uttar Hamirpur district. Parth Singh, 13, was found hanging in his bedroom in Maudaha village on Sunday night.

PTI