Waikato police have received reports of a social media game 'Blue Whale' which encourages participants to take their own lives. (FILE PHOTO)

People are being urged to watch out for a sinister social media challenge which goads young people to kill themselves.

Waikato police have received a number of reports about the challenge dubbed "Blue Whale" reportedly available via an app.

"Without getting into the nitty gritty, the app is particularly nasty as it targets young people and encourages them to complete self-harm challenges and eventually suicide," Constable Tristan Gerritsen, of Waikato police, said.

He said Hamilton police received two messages on Monday from members of the public reporting the app existed. None had downloaded it.

According to overseas reports the online social media game targets at-risk participants, taking them through a series of challenges over 50 days.

Creators reportedly seek out and target participants online. The game is then downloaded via an app that hacks your phone.

Although it is not clear exactly how this challenge has come about, or become available, it is believed to have originated in Russia.

Media reports in Russia say police have been investigating reports the game is linked to dozens of youth suicides, but no direct evidence has been found.

The name, Blue Whale, is believed to reference an act carried out by some blue whales that purposely beach themselves, causing them to die, BBC reports.

"Although authorities in Russia are reportedly investigating links between the suicides of a number of teenagers and online pressure groups, there have been no confirmed reports of links to Blue Whale.

"What police are looking for in these criminal investigations are previous conversations between the deceased and social media users that may have had an influence on any actions taken."

In New Zealand, NetSafe Director of Outreach, Sean Lyons, said the organisation was aware of the Blue Whale challenge.

"We've heard of the blue whale suicide challenge overseas, but haven't received any reports through our helpline of people being directly affected by it in New Zealand.

"There have been reports of it being run through social media groups, websites and mobile apps but the premise is always the same."

In the challenge, Lyons said an administrator or curator is assigned who then gives a person a series of 'tasks' to complete over time.

"These tasks get more bizarre as time goes on, and at the end of the challenge the person 'wins' the game by committing suicide."

It is now a criminal offence in NZ under the Crimes Act to incite another person to commit suicide regardless of whether they attempt to do so, he said.

"However, this crime applies when the incitement is directed at an individual," Lyons said.

Gerritsen said the app was no longer accessible via the Apple Appstore in New Zealand but had been seen on Android.

"One of our guys had a look on his app store on his phone and it was there yesterday, but we have done a check this morning and it's definitely not on the Apple App store."

"In saying that though, if it does somehow seem to find it onto your young person's phone, we would recommend deleting it straight away. It's probably a timely reminder to monitor what your young folk are looking at on their phones."

He said police had little jurisdiction due to the overseas origin, but could contact Apple and Android service to request to have the app removed.

Anyone who comes across the game should immediately report it to the social media site or website it is found on, Lyons said.

"This is one example of people using the internet to take advantage of those who are most vulnerable. The internet offers many positive experiences for young people, but it's important that parents are always mindful of what their children are doing online.

"Having regular, open conversations with your child about what they're doing online is important. Parents should start having these conversations as soon as their child begins to use the internet."

​Gerritsen said anyone struggling with self-harm or suicidal thoughts should call police or another agency.

"Hopefully this app disappears and blue whales can go back to being the majestic creature of the deep that they were intended to be."

WHERE TO GET HELP:

Lifeline (open 24/7) - 0800 543 354

Depression Helpline (open 24/7) - 0800 111 757

Healthline (open 24/7) - 0800 611 116

Samaritans (open 24/7) - 0800 726 666

Suicide Crisis Helpline (open 24/7) - 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO). This is a service for people who may be thinking about suicide, or those who are concerned about family or friends.

Youthline (open 24/7) - 0800 376 633. You can also text 234 for free between 8am and midnight, or email talk@youthline.co.nz

0800 WHATSUP children's helpline - phone 0800 9428 787 between 1pm and 10pm on weekdays and from 3pm to 10pm on weekends. Online chat is available from 7pm to 10pm every day at www.whatsup.co.nz.

Kidsline (open 24/7) - 0800 543 754. This service is for children aged 5 to 18. Those who ring between 4pm and 9pm on weekdays will speak to a Kidsline buddy. These are specially trained teenage telephone counsellors.

Your local Rural Support Trust - 0800 787 254 (0800 RURAL HELP)

Alcohol Drug Helpline (open 24/7) - 0800 787 797. You can also text 8691 for free.

For further information, contact the Mental Health Foundation's free Resource and Information Service (09 623 4812).



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