SDLP MLA for West Tyrone Joe Byrne is
appealing to young people to stay away from a dangerous online drinking game in
which participants are challenged to down a drink.
Mon 3rd February
Mr Byrne spoke of his concern about
the new online trend which he said could lead to young people being placed in
vulnerable situations
Mr Byrne said: "The popularity
of this reckless craze has become increasingly concerning for parents and
families across the North. It is believed to have begun in Australia and spread
from there, with many of our young people taking it to extremes, downing large
quantities of spirits and other alcoholic and intoxicating mixtures, sometimes
with dangerous results.
"I am told that the aim of the
‘neknomination’is to down a pint of alcohol and then nominate someone else to
do the same, giving them a window of 24 hours to do so. Most people who take
part make a video of themselves carrying it out, and post it on social media
platforms such as Facebook or Twitter.
"I have noticed a number of
uploads on social media, including Facebook, since last night and would urge
those participating in this recklessness trend to consider the dangers this
presents and the carnage it has already caused to the families of the two young
lives lost.
"This is not a game. It is
destroying lives. I would call on people to take these concerns seriously and
look after their health and wellbeing by not participating in this 'game', and
to protect their friends from the serious risks associated with it by not
nominating them to take part."
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