Hundreds of children across the world have lost their lives to similar online games, such as the Blue Whale challenge and the Momo challenge. The central concern here is a pattern of compulsive digital intoxication among minors and teenagers unfolding in a setting with limited mental health support. It also constricts a child’s social world to digital interactions that reward extreme emotions. When access to the digital world is suddenly curtailed without therapeutic support, withdrawal distress coupled with family conflict may intensify underlying vulnerabilities. Effective action need not deny children access to useful technology.

Source: The Telegraph February 09, 2026 02:57 UTC