Police, a coroner and a dad have warned about the psychological impact of horror game ‘Doki Doki Literature Club' following the death of a teenager.

Officers have urged parents to be vigilant after concerns were raised about the free-to-play game, calling it a ‘risk to children and young people’.

Schools have also been alerted by a coroner investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of 15-year-old Ben Walmsley in Radcliffe, Bury, in February, ahead of an inquest.

The game comes with the warning: “This game is not suitable for children or those who are easily disturbed.”

It features four animated young girls and a boy who wants to join a school literature club.

There are alternative endings depending on choices made during the course of the game.

It features graphic references and images of violence, suicide and self-harm.

Ben’s father Darren Walmsley, 49, said he believes the ‘dark’ game ‘dragged him in’ and revealed Ben was even sketching characters from the game.

He said the game was linked with his mobile phone and would be contacted by text message during the day and at night, often waking him up.

Mr Walmsley said: “Ben was growing up fast.

“It is hard for parents but this needs to be highlighted. There is no confirmation yet, but we believe that the game could be linked to Ben’s death.

“Characters suggest things and you decide what to do. It drags you in and they make it very real.

“Ben did not speak about it, but parents need to be aware of this game and other similar games.

“It is free to download but once you get into it, it will not leave you alone. The characters befriend and love you and give you tasks to do but if you do not do them, they turn nasty.”

The senior coroner for north Manchester has alerted councils and schools, with awareness messages being shared on Facebook.

A pre-inquest review is scheduled to take place this week.

Ben’s school, Philips High in Whitefield, posted online: “A concern has recently been brought to our attention by HM Senior Coroner regarding the use by young people of the online game ‘Doki Doki’, also known as ‘Doki Doki Literature Club’.

“This is a psychological horror game with suicide as a main feature. A concern has been expressed that the game may trigger suicidal thoughts in young people who may be emotionally vulnerable.

“Please monitor and check your child’s internet use regularly and be mindful of the time spent.”

Schools across Greater Manchester have also shared the warning.

Det Insp Jude Holmes, from GMP’s Public Protection Division, urged parents to regularly check websites their children are using, as some aren’t flagged up by usual firewall settings.

She said the force had been made aware of the game and said: “We believe this game is a risk to children and young people, especially those that are emotionally vulnerable and anyone with existing mental health concerns.

“It’s also really important to discuss with your children which games and apps are suitable, and ensure they understand why others aren’t appropriate to use.”

Mr Walmsley added: “Children are curious but they can get sucked in. The characters are clearly designed to drag young lads in.

“Ben was intelligent and funny with a great sense of humour. He was a gent, loving and caring. We just want to find out why and at the moment, it’s all pointing to this game.”

The M.E.N. has contacted US creators Team Salvato for comment.

What is Doki Doki Literature Club?

Doki Doki Literature Club was released last year by US-based developer Team Salvato.

It is free to download and play, and although it does carry a warning saying ‘this game is not suitable for children or those who are easily disturbed’, there is no proof of age required.

Despite this, it uses graphics and a soundtrack that could potentially attract younger players.

Gamers describe it as a ‘visual novel’, meaning that the person playing it clicks through text to be taken through the game.

Along the way, the player is asked to complete simple tasks which can slightly alter the outcome.

Doki Doki Literature Club follows a boy who wants to join the club and his interaction with female characters.

All seems well at the start - but then things take a worrying turn, and themes of suicide, self-harm, mental ill-health and violence develop.

One gamer told the M.E.N they completed the game in three to four hours.

During that time they watched one character take their own life, and another stab themselves.

They told us the main intention of the Doki Doki Literature Club is to shock those playing it, by leading them to believe what they are playing is a nice, visual novel, before the game flips on its head into a psychological horror game.

A spokesman for the NSPCC urged parents to have regular conversations with their children about how to stay safe online.

A spokesperson said: “Children are spending more time than ever online and, while there may be benefits to this educationally and socially, it can be damaging if they are being exposed to inappropriate or upsetting content.

“It is vital that parents have regular conversations with their children about staying safe online – discussing which games and apps are suitable for them to use and helping them to understand why others are inappropriate. The NSPCC has a number of resources and guides available to help parents’ get to grips with their child’s online world.

“Young people should tell a trusted adult, such as a teacher or a parent, about anything that upsets them or makes them feel uncomfortable while they are online. Childline is also available at all times to provide children with help and advice.”

Anyone looking for further online safety advice can contact the O2 NSPCC online safety helpline on 0808 800 5002 or pop into an O2 store where an O2 Guru can help.

Young people can contact Childline on 0800 1111 or www.childline.org.uk

Online safety advice is also available on the NSPCC website, while detailed information on various platforms can be found on the NSPCC’s Net Aware guide.

If you have been bereaved by suicide, support is available from Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide – www.uk-sobs.org.uk .

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Samaritans (116 123)samaritans.org operates a 24-hour service available every day of the year. If you prefer to write down how you’re feeling, or if you’re worried about being overheard on the phone, you can email Samaritans at jo@samaritans.org , write to Freepost RSRB-KKBY-CYJK, PO Box 9090, STIRLING, FK8 2SA and visit www.samaritans.org/branches to find your nearest branch.

CALM (0800 58 58 58) thecalmzone.net has a helpline is for men who are down or have hit a wall for any reason, who need to talk or find information and support. They're open 5pm to midnight, 365 days a year.

Childline (0800 1111 ) runs a helpline for children and young people in the UK. Calls are free and the number won’t show up on your phone bill.

PAPYRUS (0800 068 41 41) is a voluntary organisation supporting teenagers and young adults who are feeling suicidal.

Depression Alliance is a charity for people with depression. It doesn’t have a helpline, but offers a wide range of useful resources and links to other relevant information depressionalliance.org

Students Against Depression is a website for students who are depressed, have a low mood or are having suicidal thoughts. Bullying UK is a website for both children and adults affected by bullying studentsagainstdepression.org

The Sanctuary (0300 003 7029 ) helps people who are struggling to cope - experiencing depression, anxiety, panic attacks or in crisis. You can call them between 8pm and 6am every night.There are other depression charities.