Virtual challenges (games) are messages, web pages, and other online media that encourage self-destructive actions. Children and adolescents are exposed to a variety of ideas and sometimes engage in these actions out of curiosity. Schools need to be attentive to these challenges and address them where possible.
The inappropriate dissemination of the challenges encouraging the acts of self-harm or suicide can have a contagious effect, called the “Werther effect”. It is important that schools provide information about the dangers of these challenges to parents, teachers, and students. Be aware of the following issues.
- Avoid disclosing the name of the challenges/games or information that may identify specific students;
- Avoid posting pictures/methods used in such challenges/games;
- Focus on the importance of adult monitoring of students’ access to internet, structuring and limiting the time and type of access, considering age-appropriateness;
- Promote discussions regarding how to develop healthy virtual habits;
- Provide information about how to seek help when risks are identified.