Blue Whale Challenge: Ridgefield Superintendent Warns of Dangerous Social Media "Game"

RIDGEFIELD, CT — Dr. Karen Baldwin became the second area superintendent to warn parents and staff of a dangerous social media "game." In a letter to parents Wednesday, Dr. Karen Baldwin said that the "Blue Whale Challenge" game has recently materialized on computers in the region. Danbury Superintendent Dr. Sal Pascarella issued a similar message to parents and staff Monday.

The school officials say the game involves the "enticement of students into risky behavior that could result in the ultimate challenge of taking one's life."

"While we do not have any evidence of students participating in this activity, we need to make sure that parents are armed with the information necessary to protect their children," wrote Baldwin."We will do the same in our schools. We are checking computers, monitoring student use, and speaking with students to make sure that they are not involved or influenced by these messages."

The "game" involves a series of tasks over 50 days, which culminate in the participant being challenged to take their own life. Multiple reports indicate the tasks also include risky behaviors including sitting on the edge of a roof, as well as watching horror movies and waking up at uncommon hours.

According to a report by BBC citing a Russian media outlet, a 21-year-old man in Russia who is thought to be one of the organizers of the game pled guilty to charges of enticing at least 16 teenage girls to commit suicide.

Baldwin's message to parents asked any parents with information on the game or knowledge of any students who may be involved to contact their child's school counselor or the superintendent's office.

"Parents can assist in keeping children safe by talking to your children about their online activity, reviewing search history on your child’s computer, and monitoring for signs of depression or withdrawal," wrote Baldwin

Image by Arian Zwegers via Flickr Commons