Challenges that Lead to Death… and Alternative Challenges that Lead to Life
By: Nancy Aziz
Parents everywhere -and young people too- seem to be talking about “The Blue Whale Challenge” or “The Blue Whale Game” or “F57.” Questions and fears around this game seem rampant. What is it really about and does it pose a serious danger to our teens? Here’s a quick overview of the game and what we as parents can do to protect our teenagers.
The Blue Whale Challenge is a “game” played on social media platforms such as Facebook or SnapChat. Teenagers are sent a series of challenges or tasks over a 50-day period. The challenges begin with things like watching a horror movie and then gradually escalate to hurting oneself, hanging from a high place, etc. until they reach the 50th challenge; to commit suicide. Suicide is glamorized as the ultimate way to “win” the game. Once hooked on, teens are threatened that if they opt out of the game, they or someone in their family will be killed. There have been reports where all the player’s personal data is stolen and their devices hacked, giving the game “administrator” full access to the player’s personal and family life. This intense pressure causes teens to proceed with the game in fear for their lives or the lives of their loved ones. Unfortunately, parents usually remain uninformed until it is too late.
The Blue Whale Challenge has led many teenagers to take their own lives throughout the world, now making its way to Egypt and the Middle East. The good news is that we as parents can protect our teens. So, instead of the 50 challenges that lead to death, here are 10 challenges that lead to life:
1- Be available.
Your teenage son/daughter needs to know that they are your priority, regardless of any other commitments. They need to know that you are always available if they need someone to talk to, and that there isn’t anything they cannot talk to you about. Your reaction to what they share will determine whether or not they will continue sharing. Avoid overreacting and firing hasty comments.
2- Keep an eye on their digital life.
The battle for their hearts and minds is fierce. The pre-frontal cortex of their brain, which is responsible for decision-making, is still under construction in the teen years. They need your help to filter through the media that engulfs them. Agree with them that you need to be aware of all their passwords (to protect them and not control them), and that you will be checking their devices and social media accounts occasionally to help support them in resisting negative pressures.
3- Know who they hang out with.
Do you know who your son/daughter hangs out with? Invite their closest friends over to your home regularly. While this requires effort on your part, the benefits of being aware of your teen’s friends will definitely be worth it.
4- Be what you want them to be.
Teens do what we do and not what we say. Be the kind of character that you want your teen to be. That doesn’t mean being perfect, but admitting your mistakes and constantly working to enhance your character and actions. Exemplify wholesome technology and social media habits, and model heathy mechanisms for coping with life’s stresses.
5- Make your home a safe place.
The pressures that surround teens these days are immense. They need to come home to a safe place, a calm home where they can be themselves and feel unconditionally accepted in spite of their weaknesses. Don’t make your teen have to fight on two fronts; both outside and inside your home.
6- Share their favorite activities with them.
Find out what is fun to them and do it together as a family, even if it isn’t exactly what you’d like to do during your free time.
7- Offer unlimited unconditional love.
Make sure your son/daughter knows that nothing they can do can make you love them less and nothing they can do can make you love them more. You love them because of their intrinsic worth as your son/daughter. They need to feel loved and accepted for who they are and never for what they do or don’t do.
8- Help them have healthy role models.
Is there a particular aunt or uncle, other relative, leader or teacher, that your teen admires? If they’re a healthy role model, encourage this relationship. Our teens need role models beyond their immediate family that they can go to if they need someone beyond the family to confide in.
9- Pray for them.
The battle for our teens’ hearts and minds is real and only God can ultimately protect them anywhere and anytime. Prayer from loving parents is of priceless value; indeed it is powerful and effective.
10- Make sure they have a relationship with the author of life.
The tenth and ultimate challenge is to make sure your teen has an intimate relationship with God. Only God can truly satisfy the thirst of their hearts that leads many teens to very risky, sometimes fatal behaviors. At the root of games such as The Blue Whale Challenge lies a deep-seated need for belonging and acceptance. Humans of all ages, but particularly teens, have a deep longing to feel that they belong, to feel loved and accepted. If unsatisfied, this need becomes so pressing that teens are willing to go to any lengths to satisfy this need, sometimes leading to their peril.
Nancy Aziz serves as Content Development Manager with Focus on the Family Middle East.
Copyright © 2018 Focus on the Family Middle East. All rights reserved
