'Paranoia' Game Creating Safety Concerns For Students: Northbrook PD

NORTHBROOK, IL — While the "Senior Assassin" game has got the most attention in recent weeks at schools across the nation, including on the North Shore, another game involving toy guns has local authorities concerned.

The Village of Northbrook, along with the police department and Glenbrook North, are urging families to talk with students about the dangers of the game where students use toy guns to "eliminate" players. The Northbrook Police Department said in a social media post the players often wear camouflage or dark clothing while engaging in "risky" behavior like speeding, trespassing, or hiding around homes — creating real safety concerns.

Glenbrook North and District 225 sent out the following letter to families:

On an annual basis, despite numerous warnings, students at Glenbrook North High School put themselves and others at risk by participating in a “game” throughout the community called Paranoia. The premise is that kids form teams and use toy guns to “shoot” other players. Unfortunately, the GBN administration has become aware that information about the game is already circulating and as a result, we are sending this message to all families.

We cannot stress enough that this is not a school-sponsored event, and is not allowed anywhere on campus or at away games, competitions, and events. We in the GBN community are concerned about your students putting themselves in unsafe situations that could arise from their participation in this activity.

To date, we have heard stories about students driving erratically at high speeds, hiding outside people’s homes, and surprising people while dressed in camouflage or all-black clothing. Most community members are unaware of the “game” and may call the police if they are afraid that their homes or neighborhoods are being targeted. This could have catastrophic results.
To keep everyone safe and help them understand the risks involved with participating, we ask you to speak to your student about how this game could negatively impact them and others physically and/or emotionally.

Thank you for partnering with Glenbrook North High School to keep our students and community safe.