Schools warn parents against app on children’s phones linked to teen suicide

Schools in the UK have warned parents against an app on children's phones that has been linked to teen suicide.

The 'Doki Doki Literature Club' game has been linked to the death of one teenage boy in the UK. The app was found on the boy's phone by his father who believes he was playing the game before he died by suicide three months ago. The Daily Mail reports that there has been a fresh call by schools for parents to ensure their children are not using the app. Cornwall's Callington Community College recently issued a letter to parents saying that the game takes "a sinister turn" after about an hour. The letter details that the characters soon start talking about depression before either hanging or stabbing themselves. It reads:

"The app begins as a colourful and light-hearted game but takes a sinister turn within an hour of children playing, where their online friend starts to talk about depression and eventually commits suicide.

"Please could I kindly ask all parents and carers to check that your children do not have this app installed because of the associated dangers."

The game has an age rating of 13, however children younger can simply update their ages to access the game. Doki Doki Literature Club is currently available on both iOS and Android app stores.