Cyber bullying fears over Neknomination craze

PUBLIC health officials at Somerset County Council have added their concerns over the latest craze sweeping the nation – Neknomination – and fear it could lead to cyber bullying.

The online drinking game has gained momentum in recent weeks where the aim is to down a pint of booze and then nominate some 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 downing the pint and post it on Twitter or Facebook.

But the acts have been becoming more and more daring and have led to two people dying in Ireland as a result of taking part in Neknomination.

PHOTO - TOP: There are fears that Neknomination could lead to cyber bullying if people are "nominated" to do the drinking game, but do not do it.

PHOTO - RIGHT: One ridiculous Neknomination stunt saw somebody tipped upside down and then drink from inside a toilet. Crazy!

Matthew Hibbert, joint commissioning manager at the Somerset Drug and Alcohol Partnership, said: “We are concerned by reports of the increasing popularity of the drinking dare Neknominate.

“The game’s encouragement of participants to outdo each other with ever more reckless stunts brings with it significant risks of alcohol-related harm including acute intoxication, accidents and injury.”

And Mr Hibbert added: “There is also the potential for cyber bullying of those who are seen to ‘chicken out.’

“We would advise anyone against taking part in the game to avoid putting themselves in a potentially dangerous situation.”

Officials at Yeovi lDistrict Hospital yesterday (Tuesday, February 4, 2014) said they feared they could see an influx of patients in the A&E department with alcohol-related injuries and illnesses due to Neknomination.

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