What is the ‘Game of 72’ and how do you talk to your kids about it?

FRANCE (NEWS1130) – We’re hearing about another warning from social media for parents. Word of a potentially dangerous game from Europe is spreading across the Internet.

It’s called the “Game of 72.” Kids are apparently challenging others to disappear, telling no one where they go, for up to 72 hours.

There have only been a few reported cases in France so far, but they are enough to get tech-savy pre-teens who hear about it to play the game.

It’s reason enough to talk to your kids about it, says a child psychologist.

“Every parent whose child is on Facebook who might see this, I would discuss it with them in a casual moment like at the dinner table or riding in the car so you’re not making a huge big deal about it. The important thing is to get what the child’s thinking is,” says Dr. Myrna Shure at Drexel University in Philadelphia.

The game appears to be targeting young teens, a vulnerable demographic.

“[It’s an] age when the necessity of the peer group is heightened and I would say that is probably the main motivation… especially if it becomes a fad or something that kids at school are doing,” adds Shure.

She tells us that adult conversation is the only way to try to prevent them from copying other kids.

“Not ‘Why are you doing this?’ Rather, ‘What is it about this that excites you? Is that a good idea? Is there another way to make friends?'”

“You can say ‘Well I understand your need to do this’ and then use general information-seeking questions. Ask them ‘What could happen if you do this?’ Let the child tell you. ‘Do you want that to happen?’ ‘What can you do so that won’t happen?'”