PORT OF SPAIN – Education Minister Anthony Garcia says students need to be encouraged to spend time away from computer screens and be encouraged to play.
Garcia made the comment as his ministry issued a warning last Saturday, about a dangerous internet game challenge that is increasing in popularity at schools throughout the twin-island republic.
In the statement, the ministry described the Jump/Trip challenge as one in which three individuals in a line attempt to jump, but the unsuspecting middle person is tripped.
The challenge – also referred to as the Tripping Jump Challenge or the Skull-breaker Challenge, has already resulted in one student sustaining a broken arm.
“However, whenever those games become injurious to another person or can potentially seriously do harm, it is no longer a game that should be played. I am of the firm belief that our youth are wise enough to know that this is one challenge in which there should be no consideration of participation,” the education minister said.
Parents and teachers have been asked to “quell any attempts to have this activity started among their children/charges with the relevant conversations with the use of supporting material that can be found online.”
The ministry indicated that Student Support Services Division will be making an intervention across schools to caution students on the dangers of many of these internet challenges that have been gaining popularity. (CMC)
