SAPS warns parents over harmful ‘Hangman’ online game targeting learners
Parents are warned by SAPS about a dangerous game and are urged to monitor their children’s phones.
The Kempton Park SAPS Social Crime Prevention Unit has issued a warning to parents, schools, churches and learners about a dangerous online game known as “Hangman” reportedly circulating among schoolchildren.
According to Social Crime Prevention Coordinator Sergeant Ntombifuthi Abrokwa, the police station has received several complaints from schools about learners participating in a game accessed via mobile phones.
Abrokwa said the game allegedly consists of a series of steps that encourage children to isolate themselves from their families and move to specific locations without informing anyone.
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She warned that the final stage of the game encourages self-harm.
“There are so many steps to be followed in this game, and the last step, after a learner has completed the previous stages, is to hang himself or herself, which leads to suicide. This game is downloaded from the Play Store on a cellphone device,” said Abrokwa.
SAPS has urged parents and guardians to closely monitor their children’s cellphone usage and online activity, and to remain alert to any content or games that may pose a risk to their safety.
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“We plead with parents to monitor their children’s cellphones and ensure that they are not part of any activities that may be harmful to them,” she said.
The police have also encouraged schools and community members to report any suspicious online trends involving learners to authorities.
