Blue Whale suicide challenge warning appears on Instagram – but it lets user see sick self harm pics anyway
INSTAGRAM has begun showing users a warning when they search for pictures relating to a sick suicide game that is trending worldwide.
The Blue Whale challenge is a dangerous online fad that appears to goad teens into committing suicide.
Although there appears to have been no British victims, there have been reports of suicides in Russia and now British police and teachers are warning parents about the sick craze.
The challenge hit headlines when a Russian schoolgirl posted a picture of a blue whale on Instagram before jumping off a 14-storey building with her best friend.
There are now thousands of public posts on Instagram marked with the hashtag #BlueWhaleChallenge
When you search for the term on the network, a notification appears which reads: "Posts with words or tags you're searching for often encourage behaviour that can cause harm and even lead to death.
"If you're going through something difficult, we'd like to help."
But directly underneath the post it gives the option to "see posts anyway".
There are several shocking pictures of self harm and even jokes about the sick game once you click through.
Some include pools of blood on the floor, while others appear to show a whale carved onto an arm.
Police are said to be probing a number of suicides across Russia which they fear are linked to the online craze.
FOR KIDS: How to say no
It can sometimes be hard to stand up to your friends, so Childline offers the following tips on how to say no:
Say it with confidence
Be assertive. It’s your choice and you don’t have to do something which makes you feel unsafe or uncomfortable.
Try not to judge them
By respecting their choices, they should respect yours.
Spend time with friends who can say ‘no’
It takes confidence and courage to say no to your friends. Spend time with other friends who also aren’t taking part.
Suggest something else to do
If you don’t feel comfortable doing what your friends are doing, suggest something else to do.
Any child worried about peer pressure or online worries can contact Childline on 0800 1111.
It is reported to have originated as a Facebook group which encourages people to kill themselves.
A group administrator assigns daily tasks to members, which they have to complete over 50 days, according to reports.
The horrific tasks include self-harming, watching horror movies and waking up at unusual hours, but these gradually get more extreme.
The challenge has all the hallmarks of an urban legend, and despite rumours of an app there appears to be nothing on the Google Play or Apple store available.
As of yet the Blue Whale game has not been proven to be directly responsible for any deaths.
An Instagram spokeswoman said: "We care deeply about keeping Instagram a safe and supportive place. We have zero tolerance for content that encourages others to harm themselves or commit suicide on Instagram and quickly remove any content which breaks our community guidelines. Related hashtags may also include posts condemning suicide and self-injury and in many cases can help us identify and support those at risk through tools and partnerships with experts"
FOR PARENTS: How to talk about peer pressure
Create the right situation
Make sure you both have time to talk, the atmosphere is relaxed, and remember that this is a conversation, not an interrogation.
Listen
Avoid solely talking at them. Listen to their concerns and their experiences.
Acknowledge their worries
Dismissing their feelings will only shut down the conversation and make them reluctant to talk about what’s bothering them.
Help them practise ways of saying no
Rehearsing with them ways to stand up to peer pressure and coming up with alternatives for them will build their confidence.
Keep the conversation going
Let them know that they can always come to you if they have more worries, and take an interest in how they get on saying “no”.
Any adult who wants advice on how to talk to their child about peer pressure can contact the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000.