Mumbai schools on warpath against Blue whale game post teen's suicide

Institutions around Mumbai are organising counselling sessions to educate wards about the perils of the killer Blue Whale game after it was said to be behind the suicide of Andheri teenager

Days after a 14-year-old from Andheri jumped to his death, allegedly as part of an online suicide game called the Blue Whale Challenge, Mumbai schools are on the warpath. Amid concerns that more children might take to the horrific game, schools have now turned to counselling, community service and other activities to teach students to value life and use technology responsibly.

Also read: How the Blue Whale game brainwashes kids

Illustration/Ravi Jadhav

Andheri resident Manpreet Sahans, 14, is being touted as the first Indian victim of the Blue Whale game, which has already claimed over 130 lives globally. The game, which had an underground following, has now come into the national spotlight since the boy's death. With so much talk about it, experts are worried that curiosity might draw more kids to try the game.

Also read - Will coordinate with Centre to act against Blue Whale game: CM Devendra Fadnavis

Community service
At the Bombay Scottish School, the management is considering community service to turn students' attention to what really matters. Principal Sunita George said, "We want our students to interact with underprivileged children who do not have as many opportunities as them, so students can understand their struggle. It might help the children understand the value of life. The key is to help children to handle emotions."

Also read - Mumbai's first Blue Whale death? Boy posts chilling goodbye picture before jumping off terrace

She added, "It will be unfair to ask children to stay away from the Internet. What we need to tell them is how to be careful, and that is what we have been doing with several workshops on responsible use of technology, as well as creating awareness about cyber bullying."

Workshops and counselling
Workshops are also being held at the Chatrabhuj Narsee School, where experts will guide teachers and parents to identify children who might have fallen victim to such activities. The school also plans to organise counselling sessions for the students and parents. "Some time ago, another game, Pokémon, had raised concerns. The names and types of challenges may change, but the issue is persistent. That's why we are organising a workshop for children, as well as teachers and parents. The workshops will be led by experts in child psychology," said the school director.

Parents, look for warning signs
One of the experts leading the workshops is paediatrician Dr Khushal Avasthi, who said, "Parents need to keep a watch on whether the child is facing peer pressure. If a child is not able to stay away from his/her electronic device, or s/he is skipping meals to play online games - it is a sign of addiction."

Also read: Is Mumbai boy India's first 'Blue Whale Game' suicide case?

At Jamnabai School, too, such matters have become a subject of daily discussion during the morning assembly.

Principal Zeenat Bhojabhoy said, "Every morning, the first 15 minutes are dedicated to talk to children about such burning issues. These are interactive sessions where students also put forth their opinions; this helps us understand the psyche of different children."

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