A Texas teen killed himself after reportedly taking part in the "Blue Whale challenge," an online game that's perilous and potentially fatal. The sinister game encourages players to hurt themselves and then commit suicide. A 15-year-old boy is the latest victim in the game that challenges Young People to their deaths. Parents are being warned about the disturbing trend of "Blue Whale" and are being urged to monitor their sons' and daughters' internet activities.
Boy broadcast suicide
The boy's parents -- Angela and Jorge Gonzales -- found their son hanging from his bedroom closet.
His cellphone was nearby popped open so he could broadcast the suicide. Isaiah Gonzalez live-streamed his death and had previously sent photos to friends just before his suicide. His parents say there was no sign that Isaiah was involved in anything so macabre.
Victim's father urges parents to communicate with their children
Jorge Gonzales encourages parents to communicate with their children about the "Blue Whale Challenge" and to check their phones and social media to learn what they're doing. The online game is getting global attention, but it was considered a hoax for a while. One school district in Alabama took the reports seriously and posted a warning on its Facebook page about the "Blue Whale Challenge."
Alabama school issues warning
The district wrote that the challenge -- also known as the "Blue Whale Game" -- was brought to their attention by one of its social workers.
Two other schools had already been "introduced" to the game, which initially started in Russia. Kids are told to harm themselves for 49 days, then kill themselves on day 50. Participants are also directed to tag other friends and students to get involved in the challenge.
Kids left vulnerable to online challenges
Teenagers are impressionable and are most vulnerable to these types of challenges.
Over the years a number of online games have preyed on the their vulnerabilities. Kids cave in to peer pressure and want to be part of something, especially when it comes to competition. If it involves drugs, alcohol, self-harm, or death, many are ready and willing to play along. The internet is full of bad things for kids to tangle with and unless they have the ability to filter what's out there, they could be making terrible choices. Social media has made it easier for games like the "Blue Whale Challenge" to reach people.
