Exploring the Risks of the 'Senior Assassin' Game: When Fun Turns Dangerous
In a world where connection is crucial for young individuals, the 'senior assassin' game poses a looming threat of tragedy, as highlighted by Kara Alaimo. Let's delve into the darker side of this seemingly harmless game.
Kara Alaimo, an associate professor of communication at Fairleigh Dickinson University, recently published a book titled “Over the Influence: Why Social Media Is Toxic for Women and Girls — And How We Can Take It Back” with Alcove Press. You can follow her on Instagram, Facebook, and X. The opinions shared in this commentary are solely her own. For more opinions, visit CNN.
One morning this week, I looked out of my bedroom window and saw a young person walking up my driveway holding what looked like a grey gun. Luckily, I quickly sent a picture to my neighbors who informed me that kids in my town were participating in a game called “senior assassin.” In this game, they chase each other with water guns. This trend is not unique to my town, as it is happening across the country. Unfortunately, not all of these incidents end peacefully.
Kara Alaimo
KaraAlaimo
Based on a report by USA Today, the game is typically played outside of school, with some children using it to create content for social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. As a result, there have been numerous incidents including calls to emergency services, car accidents, school evacuations, and risky encounters with real gun owners.
It's not surprising that kids who have been isolated from their friends are looking for ways to bond and have fun as the school year comes to an end. Communities should provide safer options for kids to meet these needs, and parents, schools, lawmakers, and tech companies must act to protect kids from dangerous activities.
Kids play "senior assassin" because they want to connect with each other. Their generation spends more time on social media and less time hanging out with friends. In 1999, the average 12th grader went on 2.78 social outings per week. By 2020, that number dropped to 1.89, according to the University of Michigan's Monitoring the Future survey.
It's no wonder that this game became popular in the early 2010s, when kids were spending more time on their phones and social media. Additionally, many seniors today experienced a lot of time in isolation during the Covid-19 pandemic in high school.
However, this is a very risky way for them to fulfill this desire. As authorities have cautioned, someone who perceives a real threat from a gun could react violently if they encounter a child playing this game. A study by the Pew Research Center found that over 40% of American adults have a gun at home, with 72% citing protection as a major reason. Tragically, just last year, a 20-year-old named Kaylin Gillis was fatally shot in upstate New York by a homeowner after she and her friends mistakenly entered his driveway, thinking it was their friend's house.
NOTTING HILL, Julia Roberts, Hugh Grant, 1999
NOTTING HILL, Julia Roberts, Hugh Grant, 1999
MCA/Everett Collection
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It is unfortunate that mistakes with kids and guns happen frequently in the US. According to KFF, in 2020 and 2021, firearms were the top cause of death for children aged 1-17, surpassing illnesses and other injuries.
This game is a tragedy waiting to happen and unfair to community members who may be scared by it. It also puts unnecessary strain on local police with calls about kids carrying what could be mistaken for real weapons.
Instead, parents, students, schools, libraries, and community centers should come together to create alternative activities for kids to say goodbye and bond. Ideas include dance parties, movie nights, trivia games, open mic nights, and sports competitions.
Parents should not allow their children to participate in the game "senior assassin." However, schools may consider permitting the game to be played on school grounds, such as inside the gym or outside with clear signage, to prevent it from being played in public or on private property where it can cause misunderstandings.
In a broader sense, technology companies can help by announcing that they will "shadow ban" content depicting people shooting at each other. This can discourage the trend of violent imagery, as exposure to violent acts in media can increase the likelihood of individuals committing physical violence.
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It is important for lawmakers to pass legislation that prevents toymakers from producing toy guns that closely resemble real firearms. If the individual on my premises had been holding a brightly colored water gun instead of a realistic-looking one, it would have reassured me that my family was not at risk.
Young people in our society naturally desire to connect with others. It is important for parents, schools, and communities to provide them with safe and healthy ways to do so. However, it is also crucial to prevent them from engaging in dangerous public games that could have serious consequences.
Editor's P/S:
The article highlights the
