TRU students warned against ‘neknomination’ booze game

Posted on February 8, 2014 in City // 0 Comments

NEWS — Social media and students are in the news again, this time at Thompson Rivers University where students living on campus are being warned against the risks of a new online drinking game.

Some TRU students have been reported to be engaging in the peer-pressure drinking activity ‘neknomination,’ the university says in a statement. It involves taking video of someone chugging or ‘necking’ alcohol and is often connected with “some form” of risky behaviour. After the video is posted on social media, others are nominated to out-do the posted feat within 24 hours.

“We recognize that the majority of our students are of legal drinking age and make responsible choices about alcohol consumption and participation in activities while impaired,” said Chris Adam, TRU Dean of Students.

“Our concern is that this activity poses a real threat for those participating because it involves the rapid consumption of significant amounts of alcohol in a short period of time.”

Additional risk is presented when those involved participate in extreme activities while intoxicated, or before the drinker understands his or her level of drunkenness. News reports have already linked ‘neknomination’ to two deaths in Ireland.

In a letter delivered this week, students are asked to consider the consequences of participating in the activity, the impact of daring one another to participate, and the message they are sending to others through posting video and ‘nominations.’

Students have been told there are health risks and that participating on campus could lead to disciplinary actions from either the residence or the university itself.

“Above all, we are concerned for the safety of our students and trust that raising these concerns will provide them with the opportunity to consider the possible consequences of participation,” Adam said. “ We hope students will assist us in discouraging others from participating.”

Any student wishing support or services can access them through student services in OM 1631 or by calling 250-828-5023.

School district 73 and RCMP are continuing to investigate allegations that a number of high school students engaged in inappropriate exchanges via social media. In that case, a social media expert was brought in to talk with parents and students about the risks.