Ghaziabad sisters’ suicide: Blue Whale, Momo Challenge, PUBG and other online games linked to suicide cases

The deaths of three minor girls in Ghaziabad has once again brought attention to the risks linked to certain online games and digital challenges. According to initial reports, the sisters – Nishika (16), Prachi (14), and Pakhi (12) were addicted to an online Korean gaming that allegedly involved completing a series of 50 tasks. The three minor allegedly committed suicide as part of the task-based game. While the probe is still ongoing, the case has renewed concerns around how online content, especially games and viral challenges, can affect young users. Over the years, several games and online trends have been linked—directly or indirectly—to suicide cases, sparking debate among parents, educators, mental health experts, and authorities about online safety, supervision, and digital well-being.The story of Blue whale challenge began in 2015 with the death of Rina Palenkova, a teenager living in south-eastern Russia. Her death was followed by other teenage suicides. Many of these teenagers were later found to be a part of a same group, leading to speculation about how Blue whale challenge became linked to suicide. Blue whale challenge was reported to be an online "suicide game" aimed at teenagers. Under the gameplay, the teenagers were given 50 tasks that were to be completed over 50 days. Authorities in India and abroad issued multiple warnings against the game. At the same time, social media platforms took steps to remove related content. While many experts later said several claims were exaggerated or unverified, the panic around Blue Whale highlighted how anonymous online challenges can influence vulnerable users.Allegedly linked to the death of a 12-year old girl in Argentina, the Momo challenge made headlines in 2018. The game then referred to an online challenge that had apparently started on Facebook, for which an avatar of a grotesque woman was used. The momo challenge was linked to disturbing images and messages sent through messaging apps and videos. The challenge was widely blamed for causing fear and panic among parents, with reports suggesting it encouraged self-harm. Later investigations found that many claims were hoaxes or misinformation. Another game that has been associated with gaming disorder and gaming addiction is Player Unknown's Battlegrounds (PUBG). Currently banned in India, some scholars argue that the game has a negative influence on children and youth and that it promotes cruelty, violence, and aggression.In extreme cases, there have been case reports of self‐harm and suicide, among PUBG players who have been asked by their parents to stop playing the game, especially during Covid.