Families warn against ‘Blue Whale’ online game after teen’s suicide in Turkey

BURSA

A family in the northwestern city of Bursa warned against an online game titled “Blue Whale” after two teens attempted to commit suicide, resulting in one death on Feb. 19.

A 16-year-old boy committed suicide by hanging himself in a football field after he allegedly played “Blue Whale” with his friend, who has been identified as Batuhan K.

Witnessing his friend’s death, Batuhan K. had a nervous breakdown and attempted suicide by throwing himself in front of a truck and was injured.

His mother shared her son’s picture on social media, which shows him injured in the hospital, and warned against the detrimental effects of the game.

“Please keep your eyes on your children’s online behavior. My son attempted suicide because of the ‘Blue Whale’ game and this is why he is in this situation now,” she said.

A brother of the 16-year-old who killed himself also said the game may be behind his brother’s death.

It is not the first time that the online game has hit the headlines with suicide cases.

In September 2017, a family in Ankara filed a criminal complaint against an online game titled “Blue Whale,” indicating that it was responsible for the suicide of their 24-year-old son.

Blue Whale is believed to be a social media group that encourages people to kill themselves.

It is thought a group administrator assigns daily tasks to members, which they have to complete over 50 days, but the tasks gradually get more extreme, such as being asked to carve a whale into their arm.

On the 50th day, the moderators behind the game reportedly instruct vulnerable youngsters to commit suicide.