Call for warnings about Neknominate

Twitter and Facebook should introduce warnings over the drinking game Neknominate, which has been linked to several deaths, councils have said.

The Local Government Association (LGA), which represents almost 400 councils in England and Wales, said prominent messages were needed on the websites about the dangers of the craze.

Neknominate involves people filming themselves downing alcohol, nominating someone to continue the game, and posting the video on social media sites.

Councils are now publishing warnings about alcohol through internet safety campaigns that provide links for parents, carers and young people.

The LGA said some schools had asked for warning notices about Neknominate to be put on noticeboards and read out at assemblies.

On Wednesday, the industry-funded charity Drinkaware called on parents to take a tough stance against the game over fears that young teenagers are under pressure to take part.

Katie Hall, chair of the LGA's community wellbeing board, said: "This is an utterly reckless and totally irresponsible craze which has tragically claimed lives. More should be done to highlight the dangers and persuade people not to participate.

"We believe social media operators have a responsibility to provide health warnings to user groups and individuals.

"The LGA is looking for these corporations to show leadership and not ignore what is happening on their sites.

"We are urging Facebook and Twitter executives to sit down with us and discuss a way forward which tackles this issue head-on."