Texas parents say online 'Blue Whale challenge' led to teen's suicide
Lmao so many cases in Brasil.
Already has a Wikipedia article and a few other cases. Suspected of starting on VK aka Russian Facebook.Andrea Martinez, KENS-TV, San Antonio
1 day ago
Jorge Gonzalez found his son, Isaiah, hanging in a closet on July 8 in their home. A cell phone that Isaiah used to broadcast his death was found near his body.
Isaiah Gonzalez’s parents say he showed no warning signs of sadness or depression. Isaiah was a normal high school student, on his way to becoming a sophomore. He comes from a military family. His father, Jorge Gonzalez, is a retired veteran. Isaiah himself had dreams of enlisting.
KENS-TV
Isiah's parents believe that his death was the result of the "Blue Whale Challenge", which targets teens through Instagram, Facebook and Snapchat. The challenge involves an anonymous instructor telling teens to complete challenges, like listening to music.
Many of the challenges quickly become dangerous like urging teens to harm themselves by cutting themselves.
“He also had to post pictures to show proof that he had done that stuff,” Gonzalez said.
Gonzalez found proof on his son's phone that he was participating in the challenge. Isaiah's final act was documented live on the internet.
“It could happen to any family. We're just urging parents, look at your kid's social media,” Gonzalez said.
Isaiah Gonzalez’s parents say their son showed no warning signs of sadness or depression. He comes from a military family and had dreams of enlisting.
“I think to him, it was a joke,” Gonzalez said. “It wasn't him trying to commit suicide. I don't see him doing that."
That joke or challenge goes too far, and teens too often are falling victims to it.
A spokesperson with Voices for Children of San Antonio said parents should communicate with their children about their digital and online life, as well as monitoring their social media accounts.
Some things to look out for:
It's important for families to address mental health and get the necessary care when needed.
- Are they spending more time online or on devices?
- Look for signs of isolation.
- Look for any loss of interest.
- Watch for changes in behavior or personality.
- Experts also said parents should understand that while their children are very smart, their emotional development doesn't always match up with their intellectual or academic development.
Lmao so many cases in Brasil.
