Teenager’s death sparks warning over horror game
ASECONDARY school has warned about the psychological impact of horror game ‘Doki Doki Literature Club’ following the death of a teenager.
St Cuthbert’s has urged parents to be vigilant after police and a coroner concerns were raised about the free-to-play game, calling it a ‘risk to children and young people’.
It comes after a coroner investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of 15-year-old Ben Walmsley in Radcliffe, Bury, in February, contacted schools 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 selfharm.
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 was due to take place this week.
St Cuthbert’s posted on its Facebook page: “The Coroner’s Office has requested that some information be disseminated regarding and online game/app called DOKI DOKI and the risks to young people in terms of their emotional health and potential suicide.
“Doki Doki, also known as Doki Doki Literature Club does warn it is not suitable for children however the graphics etc are aimed at young people.
“In essence, the story plot seems to be that a male character joins a lit- erature club and interacts with female members.
“There are alternative endings depending on choices made during the course of the game. The story plot uncovers suicidal thoughts the members have. The multiple outcomes follow things such as mental health issues (voices in their head), self-harming, suicide and violent scenes.”
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 Observer’s sister paper the M.E.N. has contacted US creators Team Salvato for comment. »●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.