Blue Whale: 15-Year-Old Teenager Takes Her Own Life After Dangerous Viral Challenge

Deep shock has gripped the community of San Juan Altos, in the municipality of San Pablo, south of the department of Bolívar, Colombia, following the death of Eliza García, a 15-year-old teenager and the only daughter of a rural family. The minor was found dead last Sunday, July 6, and authorities are investigating whether her death is related to the dangerous viral challenge known as the "Blue Whale."

This game, which has been circulating on social media for several years, has been linked to numerous cases of self-harm among minors around the world.

It is characterized by imposing a series of challenges on participants that begin as seemingly harmless, but gradually lead to self-destructive acts and, in the most serious cases, suicide.

According to preliminary reports, Eliza had been participating in this game days before her death. People close to her indicate that the minor showed behavioral changes that could be related to completing the game's challenges.

Although the investigation is still ongoing, this case has once again raised alarms about the content accessed by minors through the internet and social media.

What are our children watching?

Eliza's tragic outcome highlights a growing concern: unregulated access to dangerous digital content without adult supervision. It is increasingly common for children and adolescents to spend hours in front of a screen without supervision, exposed to viral games, toxic online communities, and challenges that compromise their emotional and physical well-being.

Mental health specialists warn that family support is key to preventing children from falling into these digital traps. Restricting device use isn't enough: active communication, digital education at home, and, above all, constant emotional support are needed.

Likewise, parents and caregivers are urged to become more involved in their children's digital lives: be aware of the games they play, the online communities they participate in, and maintain a constant dialogue that allows them to detect warning signs before it's too late.