After Blue Whale scare,fresh alarms over online game challenges targeting children

Alarming incidents in recent years have underscored the dangers of task-based online games, from the infamous Blue Whale challenge, which led to mental-health crises and suicides among young people, to newer platforms now under scrutiny. Even though the Blue Whale phenomenon has largely subsided, concerns persist as emerging games and digital spaces, particularly Roblox, raise fresh safety questions for children and teenagers.

Task-based challenges typically involve a sequence of escalating tasks, some encouraging risky behaviour or even self-harm. These games often operate through secrecy and psychological pressure, targeting vulnerable adolescents dealing with loneliness or emotional stress. Psychologists warn that such environments can have lasting emotional impacts, cutting children off from supportive adults. “Many children do not fully understand the potential consequences of these games. The secrecy and peer pressure involved can isolate them from family support, increasing their vulnerability to harm,” they explain.

Roblox, a popular platform where children play and create virtual worlds, has been at the centre of recent concerns after reports surfaced of exposure to inappropriate content, unsolicited messages, and risky user-generated challenges. Although parental controls and safety tools exist, gaps in monitoring continue to draw attention. Social workers stress that “awareness and prevention are the best defences against these hidden online dangers.”

Authorities, educators and child-safety experts emphasise the need for vigilance and open communication. Caregivers are encouraged to regularly discuss online experiences, monitor gameplay, enable parental controls, and tighten privacy settings. Children should be advised not to share personal information with strangers and to report any uncomfortable interactions promptly. Limiting screen time and encouraging offline interests, specialists say, can help build emotional resilience.