‘Shank’ website is aimed at the kids who carry knives
All in the game … list of SuperPoke! icons includes smacks, hugs, bouquets, smiles – and horrifying ‘shank’ threat
By JAMES CLENCH and JONATHAN WEINBERG
THE uncle of murdered Harry Potter actor Rob Knox last night said Facebook bosses should be arrested for allowing a vile knifing game.
Members of the social networking site have been using a chilling blade icon to virtually “shank” – street slang for stab – other users.
The news comes amid an epidemic of knifings across the country, with tragic Rob, 18, among the victims.
Uncle John, 57, branded the website “disgusting” and said the game targeted teen thugs who carry blades.
Knife victim … tragic actor Rob Knox
He said: “Why the hell would a social networking site for teenagers put something like this forward?
“If the authorities really want to get tough on knife crime, the CEO or directors of Facebook should be arrested for inciting violence.”
“The stupidity of having this on their site is unbelievable. And they deliberately use the street term ‘shanked’, which is even worse. They are targeting the kids who are on street corners carrying knives.”
Facebook allowed the virtual knife threat as part of its SuperPoke! application.
Members use the blade icon to deliver the “attack” to any friend or stranger who has a profile. The victim then receives a chilling message saying they have been “shanked”. The SuperPoke! system is a favourite among teens, with more than a BILLION virtual actions sent – including kisses, hugs and slaps.
The software is made by US firm Slide, which tells users: “Use SuperPoke to do stuff to your friends. If you get lucky, they might just do it back to you.”