PARENTS in Fermanagh have been warned about a sinister ‘suicide game’ that is encouraging teenagers to take their own lives, The Impartial Reporter has learned. 
It involves young people completing daily tasks for 50 days, including self harming, waking up at unusual hours and watching horror films.
The challenge accumulates with youngsters being encouraged to take their own lives and has reportedly been linked to the deaths of over 130 pupils in Russia.
Fears about the potential dangers of such a website resulted in the Principal of St. Michael’s College in Enniskillen, Mark Henry alerting parents this week.
In his message to parents, Mr. Henry said: “We have been advised by Child Protection Services to bring to your attention the existence of a sinister online ‘suicide game’. In light of this information please continue to be mindful regarding your son’s online activity.”
Youth Action Northern Ireland’s Lynne Carroll, one of the group’s co ordinators in Enniskillen, said she was “shocked and concerned” about the website. “This is not a game, it is very serious. It is very disturbing that this is happening. Something that encourages young people to harm themselves is wrong. Young people are particularly vulnerable,” she said yesterday (Wednesday).
Mrs. Carroll spoke of the “increasing pressure” that face young people.
“I would encourage young people to challenge themselves to be positive, be kind to each other, be thankful, encouraging and united in pushing away negative and harmful social media crazes.”
She said looking out for young people is important for everyone involved in the education sector.
“Youth workers and teachers have a vital role to play in equipping young people with the skills and strategies to make safe choices and to develop good mental health. I would encourage everyone to stay away from such websites,” she said.
Given the concerns around this sinister website the issue of mental health remains a serious one for young people in Northern Ireland. 
A report published by Stormont in January highlighted that one in nine young people experience mental illness, more than 20 per cent of young people suffer significant mental health problems by the time they are 18, one in five young people self harm and 50 per cent of mental health problems emerge by age 14. 
The report also revealed that 318 suicides were registered in Northern Ireland during 2015 and of these 132 were aged between 15 to 34 years old.
NEED HELP? Contact Lifeline on 0808 808 8000, Samaritans on 028 82 244 944 or Childline on 0800 1111.