Epstein‑themed online game prompts warnings about kids’ digital safety
The game appears similar to – but has no known relation to – the popular Five Nights at Freddy's franchise where players try to avoid getting caught by evil spirits.
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A disturbing online game is sparking a broader discussion about how to talk to children about sensitive topics surrounding the ongoing headlines involving Jeffrey Epstein.
"I just walked in my daughter's room and she told me she was playing 'Five Nights at Epstein's,'" said Parlin mom Rachel Sedlak. "…I said, 'You should not be playing that game.'"
Sedlak doesn't know how her middle school-aged child found out about the online game.
The game appears similar to – but has no known relation to – the popular Five Nights at Freddy's franchise where players try to avoid getting caught by evil spirits.
"It was just sickening to hear because of everything to do with [Epstein]," said Sedlak. "I couldn't believe that it found its way to our girls."
"Really, what a lot of them are often trying to do is make their peer group laugh or help themselves feel accepted," said psychologist Dr. Stephanie Marcello, of Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care.
Marcello says parents can ease conversations about difficult topics by asking questions and listening carefully, instead of controlling the conversation.
"Say to them, 'Tell me what that actually means," Marcello advises. "'What is it that you have heard? What do you think you're actually saying? How come you think that's funny?' Because what you'll often find is they really don't actually know."
Marcello supports the recent social media ban in Australia for users under 16, because teenaged brains are still developing. She hopes it leads to change in America.
"You want this responsibility of being able to play these games and things – that requires that we talk about some of the things that you're seeing," Marcello said. "Or, then that tells me you're not ready to handle that."
News 12 attempted to access the game's website to reach out to the developer but was greeted with a message claiming the device was hacked.
