KOCHI: Free online games that trap kids in a magical world, even if only played once, are silent killers. More than a dozen game-addicted children seek treatment daily at various Childline drug rehab centers across the state. It is suspected that the influence of an online game could be behind the suicide of a ninth grader at Dharmadom yesterday.
While there are games that impart knowledge and fun, there are three killer games that parents should keep in mind. Of these, PUBG and Blue Whale are banned, but their use is not diminished.
Free fire
Launched in 2019 with its headquarters in Singapore, the game rose to hugely popular after PUBG was banned. The object of the game is to slowly drain users’ money. Several cases have been reported in Kerala and elsewhere, including suicides.
PUBG
The most used gaming application in the world. Users might have to pay money for various elements of the game. It was banned by the country last year.
Blue whale
This one is a killer game. Completing 50 “challenge” stages will eventually lead to suicide. Even if the user comes to their senses and withdraws from the challenge, the threat of data breach will continue.
Parents should watch out for:
• Excessive play by children
• Misuse of a bank account
Money looting game
A businessman from Ernakulam filed a complaint with the cyber police alleging the loss of Rs 2.5 lakh. The investigation reached his ninth grade son. The boy was playing a game after transferring money from his father’s account to his sister’s. The games require money to purchase weapons, including “guns and bombs”, and to take the next step.
Attention Needed
Parents need to pay more attention to their children’s mobile play. Once addicted, it takes time to bring a child back to normal.
-Av. Jiyas Jaman
Legal expert in cybersecurity
Payment without OTP
There are frequent reports of money loss while playing the Free Fire game. Money is drawn through various wallets. Those involved are often unaware that the money is lost because OTP is not needed for transactions.
-Cyberpolice
KEYWORDS:
ONLINE GAMES,
GAMES,
SILENT KILLER,
PUBG GAME,
FREE FIRE,
BLUE WHALE,
GAME
