trigger warning: mentions self-harm,some articles cited depict images of self-harm.
The Blue Whale Game is a Russian game where players participate in a range of tasks over the course of 50 days, which are given to them by an assigned curator. These activities could range from self harm,waking up at unusual hours, or listening to a particular song. The players win the game when on the 50th day, they commit suicide. If the player doesn’t send photographic evidence that they have completed the tasks, or doesn’t complete the tasks at all, their curator threatens to kill the player and their family.
This “game” has been linked to over 130 teen suicides all through Russia, and there are fears that this game could spread all over the world.
Two girls, fifteen-year-old Yulia Konstantinova and sixteen-year-old Veronika Volkova fell to their deaths from the roof of a 14 storey apartment block. Moments before the girls died, Yulia posted a picture of a blue whale with the caption “End” on her social media page. Veronika also posted something similar, writing “Sense is lost…End” 
An article written by the Russian newspaper “Novaya Gazeta” stated that:
“We know absolutely for sure is that adults are working with children, with the help of knowledge of their habits and passions, using their favourite language and culture…
They know psychology well, they convince girls that they are ‘fat’, tell boys that they are ‘losers’ in this world. And that there is another world and they will be among the chosen.”
It is believed that this game originated from Russian social media website “VKontakte”. A correspondent from RFE/RL created a fake profile on the site pretending to be a 15 year old girl, so they could talk to one of the curators of the game. The following is a transcription of their conversation.
Correspondent- “I want to play the game.”
Curator- “Are you sure? There is no way back.”
Co-“Yes. What does that mean — no way back?”
Cu- “You can’t leave the game once you begin.”
Co- “I’m ready.”
Cu-“You carry out each task diligently, and no one must know about it. When you finish a task, you send me a photo. And at the end of the game, you die. Are you ready?”
Co-“And if I want to get out?”
Cu- “I have all your information. They will come after you.”
One of the first tasks that the correspondent was given was to scratch “F58” into her arm. The correspondent tried to trick the curator by sending in a photoshopped image, but eventually the curator stopped responding.
If you see anyone or know anyone participating in the Blue Whale Game, tell them to think about what they are doing, and try your absolute best to stop them from participating. This a disgusting and sick game, and suicide is a cruel thing.
If you or anyone you know is considering suicide, please get some help. Click here for a list of suicide crisis lines around the world.
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