BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — Police are warning parents about an online game linked to dozens of suicides around the world.
The Miami Police Department released a Facebook warning to parents about the challenge, which encourages teenagers to record themselves completing 50 dangerous tasks, with the final one being suicide.
Central Florida school districts are aware of the game, but have not had any cases of students taking part in the challenge.
Watch: Police warn parents about Blue Whale challenge
First-grade teacher Stefani Travis said she’s seen internet trends explode in the classrooms.
“We’ve had little things every year that kind of become like the trend, but for it to be dangerous it pretty scary,” Travis said.
Authorities said the online suicide game first started in Russia, and the alleged creator has been arrested.
But police in the United States are concerned about copycats.
The game has been linked to more than 100 deaths.
The Palm Bay Police Department shared the warning from Miami police in the hopes of getting the word out.
“The most vulnerable kids will usually get involved in these kinds of challenges,” said Lt. Mike Bandish.
Tony Talavera, a youth pastor, has discussed the challenge with the teenagers in his group.
“Their thought is, it’s a lot of internet hype,” he said. “But it’s still something they get concerned about, especially when they have friends that are troubled.”
Central Florida law enforcement agencies have not had any reported cases linked to the game.