WARNING: This article contains themes some may find distressing, as well as talking about issues which may be triggering to some.
Reports earlier this week claimed a dangerous social media phenomenon known as 'Blue Whale' was circulating the web.
The game, said to have been created by Philipp Budeikin, was accused of directly targeting children and encouraging them to harm themselves. The game was linked to the deaths of more than 100 young people around the world.
Fears have arisen the 'game' could soon arrive in the UK. Woodlands School's deputy headteacher David Wright recently circulated a letter throughout his school warning parents of the threat to their children's safety. Having discovered the game through the police, Wright encourages parents to support his school to "help keep young people safe". Since then, at least seven UK police departments have shared their concerns.
However, an investigation by the UK Safer Internet Centre has failed to corroborate the claims. Online fact-checking website Snopes found that although there have been reports of young people committing suicide in Russia over the past six months, there is inconclusive evidence tying them to the Blue Whale. Anne Collier from NetFamilyNews.org has written a blog explaining the history of Blue Whale.
Professor Sonia Livingstone from the London School of Economics told WIRED: “The importance of media literacy to identify and reject fake news is vital for everyone, but especially for parents whose anxieties about their children’s safety make them too easily to fall prey to clickbait designed to trap them. The responsibilities of journalists to check their facts and sources has also never been so great, as the Blue Whale scare illustrates clearly.”
The issue does highlight the need to protect children from online dangers. It also seeks to highlight some of the support networks involved in offering help to people with mental health problems.
Browsers, apps, websites and internet service providers all come with their own set of parental controls to safeguard children from adult and harmful content.
The UK Safer Internet Centre gives detailed advice on how to enable parental controls on the four major internet providers in the UK – BT, Sky, TalkTalk and Virgin Media. These parental controls are free and the information page has a helpful video guide.
Both Google and Apple have also released step-by-step instructions on how to enable parental controls on Android and iOS.
Alternatively, if you want to speak to someone you can call the NSPCC and O2 helpline on 0808 800 5002. You can also book an appointment with an O2 Guru in store who can set up relevant controls for you
Like adults, children will respond to mental health issues in different ways but there are common signs parents, friends and teachers can look out for, compiled by experts at NSPCC:
- becoming withdrawn from friends and family
- persistent low mood and unhappiness
- tearfulness and irritability
- worries that stop them from carrying out day to day tasks
- sudden outbursts of anger directed at themselves or others
- loss of interest in activities that they used to enjoy
- problems eating or sleeping
If you're concerned, speak to your family doctor. If a child has been self-harming the doctor will be able to treat injuries and give medical advice. They could also refer your child for specialist help, such as a therapist.
NSPCC also advises speaking to your child's teachers. Teachers are becoming increasingly aware of child self-harm and mental illness and the school should be able to provide a named member of staff who your child can go to. This might be a counsellor, a mentor or a nurse, for example.
Safeguarding those in most need of help is a multi-faceted issue – one that requires open-mindedness and understanding, rather than cruelty. Reducing the stigma surrounding mental health is a necessary part of helping those suffering, but can often be one of the hardest steps towards recovery. The stigma associated with a disease or illness can often leave those affected feeling scared of judgement or rejection by others. But this is not the case.
In the UK, 1 in 4 people reportedly suffer from mental illness. Mental health issues don't discriminate and can affect those of any of age, gender, race or background. One of the most damaging symptoms of mental illness is that it can often leave people feeling trapped or alone – but there is help available. Talking about suicide prevention and mental health is the first step towards seeking treatment, and, with support, improving your wellbeing. This is a chemical issue - a medical issue - and deserves respect and appropriate care.
If you or someone you know needs support, there is a range of confidential services and helplines:
Information, advice and support for young people affected by mental health. It copes with issues such as looking after yourself, the feelings and symptoms of mental illness and more information about conditions and how personal support can be provided.
Whatever you're going through, call the Samaritans for free at any time, from any phone on 116 123. You can also email jo@samaritans.org or visit a local Samaritans branch.
A specialist charity dedicated to preventing youth suicides in the UK provides confidential help and advice to young people, as well as training to those who want to help safeguard others against self-harm.
The NSPCC website is a source of support for parents, while Childline is a dedicated side for children to seek help. If you think a child is in immediate danger, either call the police on 999 or call NSPCC on 0808 800 5000.
This article was originally published by WIRED UK
