Parent Advisory - Online Safety & The Blue Whale Challenge

Oakland County, Michigan sent this bulletin at 07/27/2017 08:22 AM EDT

Parent Advisory - Online Safety & The Blue Whale Challenge

The “Blue Whale Challenge,” a social media game reported by a number of national and local media outlets, allegedly encourages young people to engage in self-harm and suicidal behavior. There is no evidence that the Blue Whale Challenge is a real phenomenon, but it is known that social media—in all forms—can have a significant impact on mental health, especially for young people. See the American Association of Suicidology's full statement on the challenge here.

The Oakland County Youth Suicide Prevention Task Force is providing the information below to assist parents in conversations with their children about the importance of online safety, and the serious and sensitive topics of self-harm and suicide. It is suggested that parents:

Talk with their child about their online activities. Click here more information and tips for social media safety.

Know how to report safety concerns, including expressions of suicidal thoughts and behaviors, on social media platforms. Explore safety information on the following social media platforms: