A new game called 'Senior Assassin' is gaining traction in Australian schools, prompting a warning from NSW Police after a series of incidents. The game, which involves players eliminating each other with water pistols, Nerf guns, gel blasters, or paintball guns, has led to police responses due to the realistic appearance of the weapons.
In a social media post, NSW Police warned that what may seem like a game could be treated as a real threat. The officer explained that items like water pistols can look very real from a distance, and if someone reports a firearm, police respond accordingly. Gel blasters are classified as prohibited firearms in NSW, carrying a potential five-year prison sentence, while paintball guns require a valid permit and users must be over 18.
Last week, Campbelltown TAFE in Sydney's southwest was placed into lockdown after reports of two individuals acting suspiciously on campus. A woman was seen carrying an object resembling a firearm, leading to a major police response. Police later seized a water gun from a 16-year-old girl at her home.
The game uses an app called Splashin', which allows GPS tracking of players. Participants must record video of water hitting a target to eliminate them. Immunity items like goggles or floaties can mark players as safe. Despite the app's 'safe zones' feature, students are increasingly ignoring boundaries.
Sydney mother Leah expressed concern about the trend, noting that high schoolers running around with fake guns was bound to end badly. A NSW Department of Education spokesperson said the trend has not been reported as a concern in schools but takes the police warning seriously and will monitor playground behavior.
