PJ warns of online communities encouraging young people towards self-harm and violence
The Judicial Police have identified online networks that recruit children and young people to commit acts of extreme violence and self-harm, with access via games such as Minecraft and Roblox.
Social networks and games used to attract minors to communities of extreme violence
The Judicial Police (PJ) have issued a warning about online communities that recruit children and young people for self-harm, aggression and extreme violence behaviour, as rr.pt reported this Friday.
The phenomenon, described by the PJ as a "wave of online self-harm", originates from social networks and can reach younger people via gaming platforms such as Minecraft or Roblox.
According to the authorities, contact is typically made by young people directed at other young people, and may also target emotionally vulnerable individuals. The initial strategy involves creating a sense of belonging before introducing progressively more violent challenges.
Unlike other extremist movements, these communities are not based on a defined political or religious ideology — violence is the central element. Status within the groups is gained through exposure to increasingly extreme acts, including self-flagellation, assaults and animal mutilation, some of which are broadcast live or shared afterwards.
"Unspeakable content, difficult to watch", emphasises the PJ, referring to the material analysed as part of the warning.
One of the points of greatest concern identified by the authorities is the possibility that some of the most active groups are attempting to establish links with each other, forming a kind of "coalition" with greater capacity for impact and destruction.
The PJ considers an articulated response from different sectors of society to be essential. "To deter the threat and strengthen effective and timely prevention, it is vital to continue the coordinated work between schools, families and society", the warning states.
The authorities also appeal to the attention of parents, teachers and other adults who accompany children and young people, especially in the face of behavioural changes, exposure to violent content or involvement in unknown online communities. The Judicial Police provide prevention materials designed to help families, schools and the community to recognise and respond to these types of threats.
Source: Google News PT — Crime (pt)