The boy is challenged to complete 50 tasks in as many days. Each time the challenge becomes more dangerous to the teenager, ending with him taking his own life, while live streaming to social media.

It sounds like a horror movie or a hoax, but at least two sets of parents say it’s frighteningly real.

The Blue Whale Challenge begins with something seemingly harmless, maybe a little scary, like watching a horror movie. Each task becomes more dangerous, including drinking bleach or cutting themselves.

Parents of a 15-year-old San Antonio boy are blaming the Blue Whale Challenge for their son’s recent suicide. CNN reported a teen girl taking her life after participating in the challenge.

Schools from across the United States are warning parents about the challenge.

An article in USA Today said children are finding out about the game through social-media channels like Instagram, Snapchat, YouTube and texting.

Teen suicide is the third leading cause of death among 15 to 24 year olds and 90 percent of those who took their own lives had a psychiatric disorder.

“The Blue Whale Challenge is dangerous because it preys on children who are already vulnerable,” said Lisa Elliott, Ph.D., manager of the Psychology Clinic in Denton. “At this age, so many teens are already willing to do anything to feel like they are a part of something or to be included. This challenge plays into many of those desires.”

When talking to your children let them know they aren’t in trouble, but you want to discuss something you’ve heard in the news recently.

For kids in elementary school, ask them if they have seen anything online or heard anything lately that concerns them or scares them. There’s no need to bring up the Blue Whale Challenge directly to them.

For middle-school aged children, follow their lead to see if they want to discuss the challenge.

For older teens, be more direct and ask them about the challenge. Tell them you are aware of the challenge and you are concerned about it.

“I’m concerned about this culture of suicide right now,” Elliott said. “Suicide is not a trend. It’s not something that kids can be a part of and everything will be Ok. It’s final and scary. We have to talk to our children and let them understand there’s nothing interesting, sexy or cool about suicide. It’s not only the end of your life, but leaves all of your family and friends devastated.”

While talking to their tweens and teens, Elliott asks that parents also take the opportunity to reinforce to their kids that even if they hear of it at school happening to a peer, they should let an adult know. Reports have said that friends were aware of what the Texas teen was doing, but no one said anything.

Elliott says it’s also important for parents to let children know they are there for them and available to talk. If your teen is troubled, explain that whatever is troubling them will pass in time.

“Being a teen is a very difficult time,” Elliott said. “It’s sometimes hard to understand that the things that seem so important to them at that time will not matter in a couple of years. To them, it’s all about the present. So if they break up with a boyfriend or girlfriend or didn’t get chosen for a team or picked on by others, it sometimes seems like there’s no tomorrow. That’s when parents need to be there most for their child. Sometimes, it’s just about listening.”

Parents are advised to search hashtags such as #BlueWhaleChallenge on the social sites their kids use and do not let the children erase their history.

Parents can ask their child if they have ever had any extreme feelings of sadness or thoughts about hurting themselves. If current feelings about wanting to hurt themselves are acknowledged, parents should let their therapist or psychologist know right away. If they do not have a therapist or psychologist, or they are not available, they should be taken to a local mental health facility or hospital emergency room for an evaluation.

Warning signs of teen suicide include:

1. Increased use of alcohol/drugs
2. Preoccupied with death (writing, drawings)
3. Talking about feelings of hopelessness
4. Talking about being a burden to others
5. Telling loved ones goodbye
6. Decline in performance
7. Giving prized possessions away
8. Isolating and withdrawing
9. Acting highly anxious or agitated
10. Acting reckless and taking risks
11. Rages
12. Changes in sleeping and/or eating
13. Dramatic changes in personality and/or appearance

But many experts are concerned the portrayal of the lead character Hannah’s death may not only be difficult to watch for young people, but it may also glorify suicide.

Alaina Everitt, a child psychologist at Cook Children’s, was first introduced to the book “13 Reasons Why,” 10 years ago through her mom, a middle school librarian. At that time the book was being pulled because it was “sensationalizing” suicide.

“Even though it was written 10 years ago, the types of bullying portrayed in the story remain relatable to the kids I see today, the only difference being the technology behind it. What sets this story apart from others is that it emphasizes the bystander. The effects of bullying trickle down from those who allow it to happen, who see it, maybe even disapprove, but do nothing,” Everitt said. “It’s easy to be a bystander, to keep things to yourself and not risk your own reputation. But just because they don’t throw a punch or post a pic, they are not innocent. The bystander is one of the 13 reasons.”

Local school districts have sent communication to parents to make them aware of the series. Some have encouraged an open dialogue with their child regarding the subject matter depicted in the series and book.

Lisa Elliott, a licensed psychologist and manager of Cook Children’s Behavioral Health in Denton, says children may watch the series and threaten suicide in an attempt to get attention.

“But it doesn’t matter,” Elliott said. “You must take the threat very seriously. If a child is talking about suicide, get help immediately. It’s critical not to ignore this cry for help regardless of their reasons.”

With the show so prevalent in the news, it may present parents the opportunity to talk to their kids about an extremely uncomfortable topic.

“Use it as an opportunity to discuss their possible feelings and be a listening ear and support them,” said Joy Crabtree, a licensed psychologist and clinic manager for Southlake and Northeast Clinic. “Additionally, parents can ask their child if they have ever had any extreme feelings of sadness or thoughts about hurting themselves. If current feelings about wanting to hurt themselves are acknowledged, parents should let their therapist or psychologist know right away. If they do not have a therapist or psychologist, or they are not available, they should be taken to a local mental health facility or hospital emergency room for an evaluation.”

Elliott says teens with chronic illness, such as depression, are no different than any other child and generally want to be treated just like any other kid. But they should receive professional help and be assessed for anxiety and depression.

“Parents should watch for any change in mood like sadness, depression, hopelessness, irritability, anger and hostility,” Elliott said. “You may see more tearfulness and changes in activity level. Watch for more withdrawal from friends and family, change in friends and loss of interest in activities once enjoyed.”

Elliott says warning signs of teen suicide include:

1. Increased use of alcohol/drugs
2. Preoccupied with death (writing, drawings)
3. Talking about feelings of hopelessness
4. Talking about being a burden to others
5. Telling loved ones goodbye
6. Decline in performance
7. Giving prized possessions away
8. Isolating and withdrawing
9. Acting highly anxious or agitated
10. Acting reckless and taking risks
11. Rages
12. Changes in sleeping and/or eating
13. Dramatic changes in personality and/or appearance

If you feel your child needs help, please click here to find a Cook Children's Behavioral Health location near you.

Cook Children's Behavioral Health Center

Growing up in today's world is hard and many children or teens may go through life experiences that cause them to feel anxious, depressed or even suicidal. As a parent or a caregiver, it can be hard to know when to ask for help. The Behavioral Health Center brings all services together in an expanded space that will provide a talented, dedicated team of caregivers, physicians and professionals with the facilities, resources, tools and programs they need to ensure that these most vulnerable children receive the high quality treatment they need and deserve. Click here to learn more about an appointment or referral.