Parents Warned About Squid Game

Thursday, 21 October 2021 10:30

Parents in Jersey are being urged to be vigilant about what their children are viewing amid concerns about the impact of hit Netflix show 'Squid Game'.

There have been reports in the UK that children as young as six were copying the show's violent challenges.

The South Korean survival drama depicts people heavily in debt playing a series of games to win a huge sum of money - but with fatal consequences if they lose.

Reports from England have included children using physical violence in the playground to 'punish' losers.

Here, some primary schools have reported pupils talking about the programme or about computer games inspired by its graphic content.

One head teacher emailed parents:

"If you are not aware of this new programme it contains graphic scenes and violence that children would find upsetting. We are also aware that versions of Squid Game are available on Roblox, Minecraft and Fortnite, so although children might not have watched the programme they can still be exposed to the same graphic themes via these platforms."

The Children Young People Education and Skills department (CYPES) says it is aware of a 'recent upsurge' in the games being recreated on TikTok and social media.

“CYPES are aware that there has been a recent upsurge in recreated ‘games’ based on the new Netflix series ‘Squid Games’ on TikTok and similar media platforms.

“The ‘Squid Games’ series is rated age 15 due to the graphic violence displayed throughout the series. We would urge parents and carers to remain vigilant regarding their children’s access to such content and their settings on media and social media.

“Support mechanisms are in place within schools and colleges should any child or young person feel they have been affected by this content.”