Google’s Willow, Quantum Supremacy, The Chatbot Revolution, Generative AI, Protecting Your Digital Fortress, Quantum Computing  හා A Guide to the Dark Web වැනි කාලීන  මාතෘකා යටතේ  ලිපි පෙළක් අප වෙත එවූ  ආචාර්යය නන්දන කුමාර මහතා  මෙවර ඉහත කී ‘වීඩියෝ ගේම්ස්’ එවූ ලිපිය ඒ මහතාට ස්තුති කරමින් ඔබ වෙත ඉදිරිපත්  කරමු. 

In a world where young minds are growing up surrounded by screens, not all that glitters online is safe. Behind some seemingly innocent games or social challenges lies a dark and deeply disturbing trend—suicide games that target children and teens. These games manipulate vulnerable minds using psychological tactics that resemble grooming, brainwashing, and coercive control. Though often beginning as curiosity or fun, they can tragically end in self-harm or death.

How These Games Work: A Psychological Trap

Experts say these so-called games—like the Blue Whale Challenge, the Momo Challenge, and others lurking in hidden online spaces—don’t operate like regular games. Instead, they follow a manipulative psychological process that preys on the brain’s natural development stages, particularly in children and adolescents.

🧠 Key Scientific Elements:

• Delayed Prefrontal Cortex Maturity: The prefrontal cortex, responsible for critical thinking, decision-making, and impulse control, is still developing in children. This makes them more prone to peer pressure, risky behaviours, and online manipulation (Blakemore & Robbins, 2012).
• Fear Conditioning and Coercion: Games often use threats like “your family will be harmed if you don’t obey” or “you’ll be cursed if you quit,” which create fear conditioning—a psychological technique used in cults and abusive relationships (Freyd, 1996).
• Reward System Hijacking: Children are naturally reward-driven. Completing small “tasks” in the early stages releases dopamine (the pleasure chemical), forming a habit loop that deepens engagement and builds dependence (Volkow et al., 2010).
• Isolation and Secrecy: These games often demand secrecy— “Don’t tell your parents or you’ll fail the mission”—which isolates the child, reduces help-seeking, and increases psychological vulnerability.

Examples of Dangerous Games and Cases

🔵 The Blue Whale Challenge

First identified in Russia, this “game” reportedly involved 50 tasks over 50 days, ending in suicide. Children were manipulated by a “curator” who used psychological grooming, threats, and blackmail. In India, multiple teens reportedly harmed themselves or died after following the Blue Whale Challenge. One boy jumped off a building, leaving a note referencing the challenge (BBC, 2017). In the UK and US, police investigated deaths suspected to be linked to the game, although direct proof is often lacking due to the covert nature of these networks.

👁️ The Momo Challenge

While mostly a hoax, the Momo Challenge used disturbing imagery and viral fear to spread panic. Children reported being sent creepy messages urging them to self-harm or keep secrets. In New Zealand, Auckland parents reported their children were traumatised by seeing Momo during YouTube videos, fearing the character would kill their families if they spoke up (NZ Herald, 2019).

🩸 Other Dangerous Trends: “Choking Game”, “Blackout Challenge”

These viral challenges, often spread through TikTok or private chat groups, encourage children to stop breathing temporarily for a “rush.” But the consequences can be fatal.

How Do These Games Reach Children?

While many parents believe their children are safe because they use known apps like YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, or gaming platforms like Roblox and Discord, the real danger is how these platforms are used.

These games are:

• Not hosted on official websites or app stores.
• Shared through hidden links, messages, and code words.
• Often part of closed online groups on social media or messaging apps.
• Sometimes spread via the dark web, though the surface web is often enough.

A 2023 report by the UK’s Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) confirmed that dangerous communities of self-harm and suicide promotion still exist on mainstream platforms, using coded language to evade detection.

Red Flags for Parents to Watch For

According to Netsafe NZ and child psychologists, here are some warning signs your child may be involved in harmful online challenges:

• Sudden changes in mood or behaviour.
• Withdrawing from family or friends.
• Excessive secrecy about online activity.
• Unexplained injuries or marks (like carvings or bruises).
• Loss of interest in hobbies or school.
• Sleep problems or nightmares.
• Expressions of hopelessness or “wanting to disappear.”

What Can Parents and Schools Do?

✅ Create an Open Environment

Talk openly about internet safety. Encourage your children to come to you without fear of punishment. Let them know you’re on their side.

✅ Educate Them About Psychological Tricks

Explain how these games use threats and manipulation—not magic. Helping them understand the “why” behind the danger gives them power.

✅ Use Tech Wisely

• Set up parental controls.
• Use safe search filters.
• Know what apps they’re using and who they’re talking to.
• Consider using activity tracking software (while still respecting privacy and trust).

✅ Monitor Behaviour Changes

Don’t brush off mood swings or secretive behaviour. Follow up gently and look for patterns.

✅ Work with Schools

Ask your child’s school about their online safety policies. Suggest they run regular workshops on online safety and digital well-being.

✅ Report and Block

If you find content or groups promoting self-harm, report it immediately to Netsafe (www.netsafe.org.nz) or the platform in question.

Support Resources in New Zealand

• Netsafe NZ: www.netsafe.org.nz – Free advice on online threats and how to report them.
• Lifeline: Call 0800 543 354 – 24/7 support for emotional distress.
• Youthline: Call 0800 376 633 or text 234 – Support for young people and parents.
• Mental Health Foundation: www.mentalhealth.org.nz

By Dr. Nandana Kumara – Hamilton