New York elementary schools ban kids from playing Squid Game games

Three New York elementary schools are banning kids from playing the squid games from Squid Games, or wearing Squid Game Halloween costumes.

Netflix’s Squid Game is currently the biggest show in the world — it just passed three billion minutes watched, according to Deadline. It’s a pretty violent show to have such mass appeal. Who would have thought a story about people playing deadly children’s games for money would blow up this much?

Even children are getting into it, which has inspired three New York elementary schools — Mott Road, Enders Road, and Fayetteville — to ban Squid Game Halloween costumes this year, according to CNY Central.

“We have observed that some students at recess have been playing a version of the Squid Game which is intended for mature audiences, ages 16 and older,” read an email to parents of kids at Mott Road. “Due to concerns about the potential violent nature of the game, it is inappropriate for recess play or discussion at school. Additionally, a Halloween costume from this show does not meet our school costume guidelines due to the potential violent message aligned with the costume.”

And there’s a news statement from Fayetteville-Manlius School District Superintendent Craig J. Tice:

"Staff members have recently noted that some students at recess have been mimicking games from Squid Game, a Roblox video game and a Netflix show that is intended for mature audiences due to the violence depicted in the show. Because of this activity, our principals wanted to make sure our families are aware that it would be inappropriate for any student to wear to school a Halloween costume from this show because of the potential violent messages aligned with the costume."

I have some follow-up questions here. Obviously you don’t want children playing games where the losers are literally killed. But is that what’s happening, or are the kids just playing “Red Light, Green Light” or something? Because that’s a perfectly innocent game…so long as no one dies. If Squid Game is inspiring kids to just have some non-violent schoolyard fun, who cares where they learned how?

You can watch Squid Game on Netflix now. Remember: games are fun, games that end in death are criminally actionable.

To stay up to date on everything fantasy, science fiction, and WiC, follow our all-encompassing Facebook page and sign up for our exclusive newsletter.

Get HBO, Starz, Showtime and MORE for FREE with a no-risk, 7-day free trial of Amazon Channels

h/t SyFy Wire