Warning for parents as primary pupils play Squid Game

Education chiefs have now moved to warn parents of the dangers of allowing youngsters to watch Squid Game, the shocking South Korean survival show where players are pitted against each other with the hope of winning a huge cash prize.

It is understood some children have been using ‘beatings’ in the playground as punishments, whereas in the show ‘losers’ are shot dead.

One popular game in the dystopian drama is ‘red light, green light’, more commonly known in the UK as ‘statues’ or ‘grandmother’s footsteps’, where players have to get past a certain line while the games master’s back is turned.

Other games to feature in the show, which can easily be recreated in the school yard, include marbles and tug-of-war.

Squid Game

The show has become a hit around the world

Squid Game has a 15-age rating, but it is understood youngsters have been accessing versions of the show on TikTok and other social media sites where users post their own versions.

Jim Murray, Durham County Council’s head of education and skills, said: “We are aware that, in a small number of our schools, children have been playing games which appear to be related to the television show, however this has not involved pupils harming each other or being injured in any way.

“We have contacted schools regarding the programme, and have provided guidance on parental restricted viewing and keeping children safe online. “Parents who wish to access further information about online safety, such setting up parental controls and protecting young people on the internet, can visit www.internetmatters.org.”

Ryton Federation, which runs infant and junior schools in the west Gateshead village, has sent parents a link with advice on putting stricter controls on their Netflix.

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A statement issued by the federation said: “We are aware that some of our children are talking about the Netflix series Squid Game, which is a South Korean horror show that is currently streaming on Netflix.

“It features extreme violence, sexual content and suicide and is not suitable for primary aged children.

“Your child may also be able to view scenes on other social media sites such as Tiktok and may download the Squid Game challenge app.”

Squid Game. Picture: Pixabay

Squid Game has dark themes and is not suitable for children

Conyers School, in Yarm, has issued similar advice with a post to parents on Facebook.

It said: “The advice external bodies would give would not be any different to advice we would give about any other TV or film not suitable for children.

“If they are not of the age to meet the certification, then they shouldn’t really be watching that series/film.”

The name Squid Game comes from a Korean children’s game where players are split into teams with the attacking side trying to reach an area of a squid-like diagram.

John Jolly, CEO of Parentkind, a charity network of PTA fundraisers in the UK, said: “Where there are safeguarding concerns, especially when children younger than the 15 rating are watching the show at home, parents need to exercise judgement as to whether or not it’s suitable for their child.

“They should use parental supervision to decide, just as they should when it comes to any entertainment containing adult themes that their child wishes to see.”

Netflix says Squid Game has been watched by a “mind-boggling” 142 million households around the world, calling the programme “our biggest TV show ever”.

The show, written and directed by Hwang Dong-hyuk, follows desperate people who are invited to take part in a mystery game for a massive sum of money.

Last week the streaming giant said the programme had achieved the biggest series launch on the platform, seeing off competition from Bridgerton.

In a letter to shareholders on Wednesday, Netflix said: “Released on September 17, it has become our biggest TV show ever.

“A mind-boggling 142 million member households globally have chosen to watch the title in its first four weeks.

“The breadth of Squid Game’s popularity is truly amazing; this show has been ranked as our number one programme in 94 countries (including the US).

“Like some of our other big hits, Squid Game has also pierced the cultural zeitgeist, spawning a Saturday Night Live skit and memes/clips on TikTok with more than 42 billion views.

“Demand for consumer products to celebrate the fandom for Squid Game is high and those items are on their way to retail now.”

Squid Game, which debuted in September, consists of nine episodes.

It is Netflix’s first Korean programme to become the most popular series in the US and follows the company’s efforts to increase its offering of international shows.

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